(CNN) Mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania -- a critical state for President Donald Trump's reelection chances -- will be counted if they are received within three days of Election Day even if they do not have a legible postmark, the Supreme Court ruled Monday. Four justices dissented from the order, signaling that the court was equally divided, with Chief Justice John Roberts siding with the court's three liberals. The ruling is a loss for state Republicans who sought to require that only ballots received by Election Day be counted. It also comes just two weeks before Election Day and intensifies the Supreme Court confirmation battle over Judge Amy Coney Barrett, who could well prove to be a deciding vote on election night challenges. The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to vote Thursday to advance Barrett's nomination, with a full Senate vote expected early next week.

Source: CNN October 19, 2020 23:23 UTC