The Nevada Supreme Court ruled that mail ballots arriving after Election Day without a postmark will still count. The court emphasized the importance of not rejecting ballots due to postal errors, despite the issues in transparency and adherence to guidelines set forth concerning elections. This decision requires that all mail-in ballots, regardless of postmark status, will be counted if they arrive after November 5th. 

Why Does This Matter? 

The main issue with allowing ballots without postmarks after Election Day is that it raises questions about the fairness and accuracy of election results. The postmark serves as proof that it mailed on time, which is critical for keeping the voting process fair. This lack of verification is concerning because it goes against following the same deadlines for all voters. 

Elections rely on trust and transparency. Voters need to believe that each vote is handled with care and meets the same standard. Adhering to clear rules about when ballots should be mailed can help increase voter confidence in the election process.  

But when exceptions are made, like allowing unmarked ballots to count, it introduces uncertainty in the vote-counting process. Nevadans should hold their state to a higher standard for the highest positions of power in the state and nation. After all, all they need to do is drop their ballot in the mail on time and if the post office can’t be trusted with mail-in ballots maybe it’s time to end those too.