Summary
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case about Mississippi's rule for counting mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day. The decision could impact voting laws in many states ahead of the 2026 elections. The case questions if federal laws override state laws about accepting late-arriving ballots.
Key Facts
- The Supreme Court will review Mississippi's mail-in ballot policy in the Watson v. Republican National Committee case.
- Mississippi allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within five days after the election.
- A federal court upheld Mississippi's policy, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit overturned it, citing conflicts with federal law.
- Mississippi argues that if the 5th Circuit’s ruling stands, it could require changes to election laws in about 30 states.
- Different states have different rules for when mail-in ballots must be received to be counted.
- The Supreme Court’s decision may influence how states set ballot receipt deadlines for the 2026 elections.
