Supreme Court hears mail-in ballot case that could impact the midterms
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The Bottom Line
Supreme Court case could tighten mail-in ballot deadlines nationwide, potentially affecting millions of votes in swing states.
How This Affects You
If you vote by mail, your ballot may not be counted if it arrives after Election Day, even if postmarked on time, depending on where you live.
AI Summary
The Supreme Court heard arguments in a case where the Republican National Committee challenges state practices that count mail-in ballots arriving after Election Day if they bear an Election Day postmark. Currently, some states allow this flexibility, which could affect the counting of millions of ballots in the fall elections. A ruling against the practice could tighten ballot-counting deadlines nationwide and potentially shift outcomes in close races where mail delays are common. The case hinges on whether federal law requires ballots to physically arrive by Election Day or whether postmark dates can serve as proof of timely submission. The decision could have outsized impact in swing states that rely heavily on mail voting.
What's Being Done
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Republican National Committee's challenge to state mail-ballot counting practices.
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RNC lawyer says Supreme Court mail-in ballot case is about "restoring trust in our electoral system"
Alito gives lawyers plain-English lesson on meaning of 'day' as Supreme Court weighs late-ballot fight - Fox News
The Alito Wing of the Supreme Court Sure Sounds Sold on Trump’s Voter Fraud Lies - Slate
Supreme Court appears ready to limit mail-in balloting ahead of midterms - The Washington Post
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