Disability advocates are asking a court to halt a Mississippi law on ballot assistance

Disability advocates are asking a federal court to block a new Mississippi law limiting ballot assistance options for disabled voters.

Background: Mississippi’s Senate Bill 2358, going into effect on July 1, restricts who can collect and return mailed ballots for people who need assistance.
* Only election officials, postal workers, family members, household members, or caregivers can help these voters.
* Violations are punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $3,000.

Supporters’ perspective: The law aims to prevent ballot harvesting, which some Republicans argue may lead to vote stealing and fraud.

Opposing view: Critics claim that the law creates barriers for voters who need assistance and violates federal voting protections for people with disabilities.
* Laws similar to Mississippi’s have been struck down by federal courts in other states, such as Texas and Wisconsin.

What to watch: Plaintiffs have requested a block on the law ahead of Mississippi’s August primary election, with mail ballots potentially going out in late July.

View original article on NPR

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