https://patch.com/minnesota/southwestminneapolis/gop-wins-mn-ballot-deadline-case-federal-court

GOP Wins MN Ballot Deadline Case In Federal Court

"There is no pandemic exception to the Constitution," the court ruled.​

By William Bornhoft, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

Oct 29, 2020 6:07 pm CT

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Updated Oct 29, 2020 6:14 pm CT

(Shutterstock)

TWIN CITIES, MN — An Eighth Circuit panel Thursday night ruled that election officials must "segregate" Minnesota ballots received after Election Day. The decision is a victory for local GOP groups, who sought to challenge Minnesota's extended Nov. 10 absentee ballot deadline.

"There is no pandemic exception to the Constitution," the court ruled.

Minnesota Public Radio reporter Brian Bakst was among the first to break the news.

Immediately following the decision, Sen. Amy Klobuchar began warning the state's voters that it's too late to mail in their ballots, and that they should be submitted in person.

"BREAKING: Because of LAST MINUTE ruling, Minnesota DO NOT put ballots in mail any more," Klobuchar told voters on Twitter. "In the middle of a pandemic, the Republican Party is doing everything to make it hard for you to vote. Stand up for YOUR rights: Vote in-person or take mail-in ballot directly to ballot box."

8th Circuit Court of Appeals rules that Minnesota election officials must identify and segregate mail-in ballots received after Election Day in the event a court later determines those votes to be invalid. Return your ballot in person ASAP. https://t.co/fydqMTU3Uv pic.twitter.com/YS0hYagze1

— Tony Webster (@webster) October 29, 2020

This is a breaking news story. Stay with Patch as more information is made available.