**Federal Appeals Court Overturns Mississippi's Absentee Ballot Law**

In a significant ruling, a federal appeals court has invalidated a Mississippi law that mandated counting absentee ballots received by mail up to five days post-Election Day. The recent decision has raised questions about its potential impact on the ongoing election cycle, with experts indicating it could also impact similar regulations nationwide.

The three-judge panel from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled in favor of the Republican National Committee, the Mississippi Republican Party, and other plaintiffs who argued that the state had effectively extended the election period beyond the date established by federal law. They contended that the law violated the stipulated single Election Day for congressional members and presidential electors, as set by Congress.

Mississippi's secretary of state and other defendants had maintained that while all votes must indeed be cast by Election Day, states should be allowed a longer timeframe to receive and tally these votes. However, the judges refuted this argument in their written opinion.

"Congress statutorily designated a singular 'day for the election' of members of Congress and the appointment of presidential electors," wrote Judge Andrew S. Oldham. "Text, precedent, and historical practice confirm this 'day for the election' is the day by which ballots must be both cast by voters and received by state officials."

The case has been remanded to the district court, which had originally ruled in favor of the defendants, with instructions to reconsider its decision. The lower court has been advised to weigh the importance of maintaining the current election procedures, especially given the proximity to Election Day. Consequently, there is still a possibility that absentee ballots arriving late might be counted for this year's election.

This ruling and its aftermath could have far-reaching implications, challenging similar absentee ballot counting practices across the United States.