Not counting a voter’s mail ballot because they failed to properly date the return envelope violates their rights under the state constitution, a Pennsylvania appellate court ruled Friday.

Republicans said they would immediately appeal the ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. But if the decision stands, it could affect thousands of ballots and influence the outcome of close races.

Reporter Carter Walker of Votebeat PA appeared on Radio Chatskill with Tim Bruno. Votebeat is the nonpartisan newsroom with local reporting on elections and voting.