A federal judge in Louisiana granted an injunction on Wednesday extending Louisiana’s early voting period for the November 3 general election from seven to 10 days, citing COVID-19 concerns. The court also expanded access to absentee ballots.

Judge Shelly Dick ruled that “the state’s failure to provide accommodation for pandemic-affected voters is likely unconstitutional because it imposes an undue burden on Plaintiffs’ right to vote.”

The defendants argued that the “risk of voter fraud is especially pernicious here, where Plaintiffs seek unlimited and unrestricted absentee voting.” Yet, the court dismissed this argument as “woefully inadequate,” and lacking a “scintilla of evidence.”

The Louisiana attorney general argued against expanded access to absentee voting. “[C]hanging the method of absentee balloting at this stage will invite chaos into the system and harm more people through voter confusion than any court-ordered remedy would help.” The court rejected this argument, and, in response, claimed that the Defendants’ actions already invited voter confusion. Further, the court declared that confusion does not outweigh the potential risk of mass exposure to COVID-19.

In response to the ruling, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards tweeted: “Today’s ruling is a huge victory not only for the health and safety of the people of Louisiana, but also for their voting rights and our democracy.” Continuing, “No one should have to risk their health or their life to vote, and I am relieved that the court agrees. Simply put: COVID-19 remains a serious problem in Louisiana and voting should not be a super spreader event.”