 WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday night allowed Pennsylvania election officials to count mail-in ballots received up to three days after Election Day, refusing a Republican request to stop a pandemic-related procedure approved by the states supreme court. The courts action involved a seemingly arcane voting practice and carried outsize importance because of the states pivotal role in the upcoming presidential election. It prompted a fierce battle between the states Democrats and Republicans. It also showed a precariously balanced Supreme Court, which has eight members after the death last month of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and the potential importance of President Donald Trumps nominee to replace her, Judge Amy Coney Barrett. The court was tied on the Republican request, which means the effort failed. The courts four most conservative justices - Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh - said they would have granted the stay. But that takes five votes, which means Chief Justice John Roberts sided with liberal Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. Neither side explained its reasoning, which often is the case in emergency requests. But the outcome underscored the decisive role Barrett could play if she is confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate - with a vote there expected as soon as next week. Trump has said he wants his new nominee on the court in case the court is split on litigation arising from the election. That, in turn, has prompted calls from Democrats that Barrett pledge to recuse herself from election cases. She declined to say at her confirmation hearings last week what she would do if faced with such a decision. The Supreme Court has been considering the Republican request for nearly two... 