Michigan Ballots Must Be Counted If Postmarked By Nov. 2: Judge

MICHIGAN — A Michigan judge has ruled that the state must accept election ballots arriving within 14 days of the election as long as they are postmarked by Nov. 2.

Court of Claims Judge Cynthia Stephens made the ruling Friday morning in a case against Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson brought forth by the Michigan Alliance for Retired Americans.

The ruling is the second ruling made this week that extends the ballot receipt deadline in a key swing state. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Thursday extended the deadline to the Friday following the election, so long as the ballots are postmarked by Nov. 2.

The ruling only applies to the November 2020 and will not continue to future elections, according to the order.

You can read the full order here.

A second part of Stephens' Friday ruling maintains that a voter can have assistance from anyone in returning their ballots between the Friday before election day and Nov. 3.

It is a misdemeanor to hire drivers to take voters to polling places unless they physically cannot walk in Michigan, The Associated Press reported. Michigan was the only state in which ride-hailing company Uber did not offer discounted rides to the polls on Election Day in November 2018.

Information and reporting from The Associated Press contributed to this report.