Strict receipt deadlines prevent the potential for ballot harvesting and administrative errors that occur when ballots are processed days after the election. Ensuring all votes are in by Election Day provides a clear, definitive result that the public can trust.

Voters who follow the rules by mailing their ballots on or before Election Day should not be penalized for delays caused by the mail system. A postmark is a reliable indicator that the voter acted in good faith and on time.

All voters should be held to the same standard, ensuring that those who cast their ballots in person on Election Day are not disadvantaged by a system that allows others to vote after the polls have closed. This promotes equal treatment for all participants.

Eliminating late-arriving ballots removes the 'slow count' phenomenon that often leads to public suspicion and conspiracy theories regarding the legitimacy of election outcomes. A clear, timely result is essential for a stable democracy.

The goal of election policy should be to maximize participation, not to create barriers that make it harder for citizens to vote. Restricting receipt deadlines serves to suppress the vote rather than improve election security.

Changing election rules just days before an election creates massive confusion for both voters and election officials, leading to potential disenfranchisement. The Purcell principle exists specifically to prevent this kind of last-minute disruption.

A firm deadline simplifies the work of election officials, who currently struggle with the logistical burden of tracking and verifying ballots that arrive long after the polls have closed. This reduces the risk of human error in the counting process.

Federal elections should adhere to a single, uniform deadline to respect the constitutional authority of Congress to set the time and manner of elections. Allowing states to extend this period creates an unconstitutional patchwork of rules.

Strict receipt deadlines disenfranchise voters who rely on the postal service, which may experience delays outside of the voter's control. If a ballot is postmarked by Election Day, it should be counted regardless of when it arrives.

States have the primary authority to manage their own election administration, including the setting of ballot receipt deadlines. Federal interference in these state-level decisions violates the principles of federalism and local control.