Pennsylvania Faces Potential Provisional Ballot Crisis on Election Day Amid Mail Ballot Rules

Pennsylvania’s election day could see a surge in provisional ballots due to strict mail ballot rules, potentially impacting results in the close race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. With about 390,000 mail ballots still unreturned and a tight deadline of 8 p.m. on Election Day, many voters may opt to vote in person to ensure their ballots are counted. Recent legal clarifications allow officials to reject mail ballots if voters incorrectly date their affidavit envelopes, prompting concerns about voter disenfranchisement.

Provisional ballots could heavily favor Democrats if mail ballots are rejected, with NBC reporting that provisional votes might particularly benefit Harris and the Democratic Party. With 2.2 million approved mail ballot applications in Pennsylvania, only 82% have been returned, leaving a substantial number of voters who may need to vote in person or opt for provisional ballots.

Donald Trump wraps up his campaign at Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Michigan

In Pennsylvania’s election, roughly one-third of voters who didn’t return mail ballots instead cast in-person votes, suggesting up to 90,000 voters could make similar choices this time. Around 35,000 may rely on provisional ballots, which are counted only after verifying that the mail ballots were not processed.

Adding to the election complexities, the U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld Pennsylvania’s decision to count provisional ballots from voters whose mail ballots were rejected, dismissing an emergency appeal from Republicans. This decision underscores the importance of provisional ballots, as they will be counted after Election Day verification.

Election officials now brace for the impact, preparing for an influx of provisional ballots amid tight legal scrutiny and high voter stakes in this key swing state.