The US Supreme Court has upheld a ban on collecting and delivering ballots on other people's behalf in Arizona, angering Democrats who argue that thousands will be disenfranchised.
The move overturns a one-day-old appeals court ruling and is expected to hit minority communities hardest, where many voters rely on neighbours and activists to collect and deliver their ballot.
This includes those living near the border with Mexico and in Native American reservations in the state.
Anyone who acts as a third party could now face up to a year in jail and a fine of $150,000.
The ban came into effect earlier this year, with Republicans in Arizona arguing that no voter would be restricted in their right to vote – a claim Democrats dispute.
In Arizona, voters can ask for an early ballot to be sent to their home before the election. Voters then mail it back or drop it off by 7pm on election night.
“It is no secret that ballot collection and delivery has been particularly beneficial for Arizona’s minority voters, and legislators who have not traditionally enjoyed broad support in those communities have repeatedly tried to restrict it,” Democratic lawyer Marc Elias argued in his filing with the Supreme Court.
But Arizona secretary of state Michele Reagan said the decision to pass the “commonsense law” was simply to ensure “ballot security”.
Lawyers in support of the ruling argued it would not have a discriminatory impact and would only bring “a minimal burden on the right to vote”.
The ruling is a blow to Democrats, who had previously been cheered by two other key court rulings on Friday. In North Carolina a judge ordered thousands of names that had been removed from voting rolls to be restored, while in Ohio the Trump campaign was ordered to make sure not to intimidate voters.
Agenices have contributed to this report.
