Issa Sues California to Stop Mail-in Ballot Counting After Election Day

U.S. Representative Darrell Issa has filed a lawsuit against the state of California, challenging the state's practice of counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day. The lawsuit, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, argues that this practice violates federal election law which mandates that all votes must be counted on the day of the election.

The controversy stems from California's decision to extend the deadline for counting mail-in ballots. Under current state law, ballots postmarked on or before Election Day can be counted if they are received within seven days after the election. Issa's legal action seeks to halt this practice, asserting that it disenfranchises voters by allowing votes to be tallied after the official election date.

This legal challenge arrives at a time when mail-in voting has become a focal point in the national discourse on election integrity. Critics of extended ballot counting argue that it can lead to prolonged uncertainty in election results, while proponents maintain that it is necessary to ensure every vote is counted, especially in light of potential postal delays.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for future elections, not only in California but potentially across the United States. It highlights the ongoing tension between state election laws and federal mandates, and the broader debate over how best to conduct fair and secure elections.

• California
• Darrell Issa
• Election Day
• United States