Supreme Court to Weigh Fate of Mail Ballot "Grace Periods

The ruling, which came while voters were casting ballots in last year's presidential election, did not go into effect immediately. Sixteen states plus Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C., currently accept and count mail-in ballots that are received after Election Day, typically only if those ballots are postmarked on or before Election Day. This has raised concerns about the integrity of elections and the potential for voter disenfranchisement. "This is a critical issue that affects the fundamental right to vote," said Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice. "The Supreme Court's decision to hear this case will have significant implications for the future of elections in the United States." Waldman noted that the current system allows voters to cast their ballots and have them counted, even if they arrive after Election Day, as long as they are postmarked on or before the election. The lawsuit was filed by the Republican National Committee, which argued that Mississippi's five-day mail ballot grace period is unlawful under federal law. The RNC claimed that the state's practice allows voters to cast ballots after Election Day, potentially altering the outcome of the election. The appeals court agreed with the RNC, ruling that the state's practice is a violation of federal law. The case has significant implications for the future of elections in the United States. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the RNC, it could potentially limit the ability of states to count mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, even if they are postmarked on or before the election. This could have a disproportionate impact on voters who rely on mail-in ballots, particularly in states with limited early voting options. The Supreme Court's decision to hear this case is a significant development in the ongoing debate over election reform. The court's ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for the future of elections in the United States. The case is likely to be heard in the coming months, with a decision expected in the spring of 2026.