(a) General rule.--Applications for mail-in ballots shall be received in the office of the county board of elections not earlier than 50 days before the primary or election, except that if a county board of elections determines that it would be appropriate to the county board of elections' operational needs, any applications for mail-in ballots received more than 50 days before the primary or election may be processed before that time. Applications for mail-in ballots shall be processed if received not later than five o'clock P.M. of the first Tuesday prior to the day of any primary or election.

(b) Early applications.--In the case of an elector whose application for a mail-in ballot is received by the office of the county board of elections earlier than 50 days before the primary or election, the application shall be held and processed upon commencement of the 50-day period or at such earlier time as the county board of elections determines may be appropriate.