Federal judge rules in favor of expanded mail-in ballots for Louisiana November election
A federal judge granted expanded use of mail-in ballots for the November election, ruling Wednesday that Louisiana must allow voters to cast ballots by mail if they certify they are quarantining for COVID-19 or at risk because of underlying health conditions.
The ruling will allow Louisiana’s voters to request absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 general election and Dec. 5 runoff if they personally certify they are COVID-positive, quarantining pending COVID-19 test results, at greater risk because of comorbidities or caring for someone who fits those criteria.
It will also require early voting for the Nov. 3 election to be held 10 days from Oct. 16, through Oct. 27, excluding Sundays, after prior plans limited early voting to a standard seven-day period.
The judge's ruling affirms Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards' efforts to expand voter mail-in ballot access, while rejecting arguments from state Republican leaders.
https://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/local/louisiana/2020/09/16/federal-judge-rules-expanded-mail-ballot-use-louisiana-for-november-election-during-covid/5819666002/