US supreme court hears arguments in mail-in ballots case ahead of midterms

The US Supreme Court is hearing arguments in *Watson v Republican National Committee*, a case challenging Mississippi's law allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by election day to be counted if received within five business days. The Republican party argues this grace period violates federal law establishing election day as the first Tuesday of November. Fourteen states, Washington DC, and three US territories have similar laws. Conservative justices questioned the intent of Congress regarding late-arriving ballots, while liberal justices highlighted federal laws acknowledging grace periods. The case originated in Mississippi, with the RNC initially losing in district court but winning in the fifth circuit court of appeals. Voting rights advocates and military/overseas voter groups support Mississippi, arguing grace periods address unique voting barriers.

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case concerning late-arriving mail ballots, a practice opposed by former President Trump. The case originates from Mississippi, where a law allowing ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within five business days was struck down by an appellate court. A ruling in the case, expected by late June, could impact 14 states and the District of Columbia that have grace periods for mail-in ballots, as well as 15 states with extended deadlines for military and overseas voters. State and local election officials warn that changing these practices so close to the 2026 midterm elections could cause voter confusion and disenfranchisement. Lawyers for the Republican and Libertarian parties, along with the Trump administration, are urging the Supreme Court to uphold the appellate ruling.