US Supreme Court Orders Pennsylvania Democrats to Respond by Thursday in a Case Challenging the State’s 3-Day Extension For Mail-in Ballots

 

The Supreme Court ordered Pennsylvania Democrats to respond by Thursday evening in a case challenging the state’s three-day extension for counting mail-in ballots. 

President Trump has moved to intervene in a lawsuit brought by Pennsylvania Republicans, arguing the state’s Democratic Party and Secretary of State violated the law by extending the time for counting mail-in ballots to Nov. 6 at 5 p.m., despite the state legislature setting the deadline as Election Day. 

The lawsuit takes issue with a state Supreme Court ruling that postmarked ballots be presumed to have been mailed before Nov. 3, even if not clearly postmarked to that effect. 

Mr. Trump filed a motion Wednesday to get involved in the suit, claiming that how Pennsylvania goes could decide the presidential election and that the high court should settle the conflict over the ballot extension quickly. 

According to the court’s docket, the justices want the state’s officials and Democratic Party to respond before Friday’s ballot-counting deadline. 

“Response to motion for leave to intervene requested, due Thursday, November 5, 2020, by 5 p.m.,” the docket read. 

Recall, the Supreme Court said last Wednesday that it will not fast track Republicans’ challenge to Pennsylvania’s extended deadline for absentee ballots. 

The justices did leave open the possibility that they would ultimately rule in favor of Pennsylvania Republicans.

GRTWT.