Overview
- Justices granted review in Watson v. Republican National Committee, a challenge to Mississippi’s law counting ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within five business days.
- The 5th Circuit invalidated Mississippi’s rule, holding federal law requires ballots to be both cast and received by Election Day, reversing a district court that had upheld the statute.
- Mississippi, led by Attorney General Lynn Fitch, argues an election occurs when voters cast ballots by the federal date and that post-election receipt and counting are administrative steps.
- The outcome could affect at least 16 states that accept some late-arriving regular mail ballots, with many other states allowing later receipt for military and overseas voters.
- Oral arguments are expected in early 2026 with a decision by late June, as related fights continue over President Trump’s executive order pressing for votes to be cast and received by Election Day.