Overview
- Justices granted review in Watson v. Republican National Committee, a challenge arising from Mississippi’s law that counts ballots postmarked by Election Day if received within five business days.
- A 2024 Fifth Circuit panel held federal law requires ballots to be both cast and received by Election Day, reversing a district court that had upheld Mississippi’s statute.
- About 30 states and the District of Columbia accept at least some ballots that arrive after Election Day if postmarked on time, placing many procedures at risk depending on the outcome.
- Mississippi contends later receipt is an administrative step once voters submit ballots by Election Day, while the RNC argues post-election receipt unlawfully extends the election and delays results.
- The court is expected to hear arguments in early 2026 with a decision by late June, as 19 states and D.C. back Mississippi and related fights continue over President Trump’s order targeting late-arrival counting.