The Supreme Court will review whether Mississippi can count mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day, a decision that could disrupt voting procedures across approximately 30 states and Washington, DC, ahead of the 2026 elections. Mississippi permits absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day to be tallied if they reach officials within five business days, but the Republican National Committee contends this practice violates federal statutes establishing a single voting deadline.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals previously invalidated the grace period, determining that ballots must reach authorities on Election Day itself. Mississippi warned that eliminating such provisions nationwide would trigger widespread litigation and electoral disruption, while opponents argued that post-election receipt deadlines compress dispute resolution timeframes and obscure national uniformity.
The justices are simultaneously weighing separate cases concerning Illinois mail-in ballot standing requirements and Louisiana redistricting that could weaken Voting Rights Act protections. Rulings in these matters are anticipated by early July.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals previously invalidated the grace period, determining that ballots must reach authorities on Election Day itself. Mississippi warned that eliminating such provisions nationwide would trigger widespread litigation and electoral disruption, while opponents argued that post-election receipt deadlines compress dispute resolution timeframes and obscure national uniformity.
The justices are simultaneously weighing separate cases concerning Illinois mail-in ballot standing requirements and Louisiana redistricting that could weaken Voting Rights Act protections. Rulings in these matters are anticipated by early July.
