MINNEAPOLIS — A federal judge upheld the extension of Minnesota’s deadline for counting absentee ballots by seven days. The decision was a setback for allies of President Trump. In the late Sunday ruling Judge Nancy Brasel denied an appeal from two Republicans who wanted ballots thrown out if received after 8 p.m. on the November 3 election date. A lower-court judge had authorized the seven-day extension for ballots received by November 3. The extension was justified by an influx in absentee voting by people fearful of being exposed to the coronavirus virus by going out to vote. The volume of absentee ballots would have overburdened the counting process as never before. Also there were concerns whether the Postal Service could handle the volume in a timely way.
Who objected to the extension?
Republican state Rep. Eric Lucero and Republican activist James Carson filed the lawsuit.. Both would participate in the Electoral College if President Donald Trump carries Minnesota. Their lawsuit was backed by the conservative-leaning Honest Elections Project.