The Supreme Court will review whether states can count mail-in ballots arriving after election day, accepting a case that affects voting procedures in more than two dozen jurisdictions. The dispute centers on Mississippi's policy allowing ballots postmarked by election day to be tallied if received within five business days, which the Republican National Committee contends violates federal statutes requiring presidential selection to occur on a single designated date.
A Fifth Circuit panel unanimously invalidated the Mississippi practice in October 2024, determining that federal law mandates both casting and receipt of ballots on election day. Five dissenting judges warned that the ruling contradicts established interpretation methods and jeopardizes voting systems across 28 states. Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson argues the law addresses voter selection rather than administrative ballot processing.
Oral arguments are scheduled for spring 2026. The decision will establish significant precedent on federal authority over state election administration amid ongoing debates about mail voting procedures.
A Fifth Circuit panel unanimously invalidated the Mississippi practice in October 2024, determining that federal law mandates both casting and receipt of ballots on election day. Five dissenting judges warned that the ruling contradicts established interpretation methods and jeopardizes voting systems across 28 states. Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson argues the law addresses voter selection rather than administrative ballot processing.
Oral arguments are scheduled for spring 2026. The decision will establish significant precedent on federal authority over state election administration amid ongoing debates about mail voting procedures.
