A coalition of election integrity groups is making headlines as they push the Supreme Court to uphold a ruling that mandates ballots be received by Election Day. The coalition includes conservative organizations like the Honest Elections Project and the Center for Election Confidence, which have filed an amicus brief supporting the Republican National Committee’s (RNC) challenge to Mississippi’s practice of counting late ballots. They argue the law requires that ballots must be in the hands of election officials by the time polls close.
The implications of this case, Watson v. Republican National Committee, extend beyond Mississippi. If the Supreme Court sides with the RNC, it could render invalid postmark-based deadlines in 14 states as the nation approaches the 2026 midterms. Supporters of the RNC claim that a ruling in their favor would set a national standard for the timely receipt of mail-in ballots, a point of contention as mail-in voting becomes increasingly common.
Jason Snead, the executive director of the Honest Elections Project, expressed concerns about counting late-arriving ballots: “Counting ballots that are received after Election Day unnecessarily damages public trust in election outcomes, delays results, and violates the law,” he told Fox News Digital. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among advocates for strict election integrity. They believe that clear and enforceable rules help maintain the sanctity of the vote.
The issue at the heart of the debate is whether federal law’s establishment of a single Election Day necessitates that all ballots be received by that date to be considered valid. The RNC’s challenge is grounded in a 1997 Supreme Court ruling in Foster v. Love, which stated that the “final act of selection”—in this context, the casting of ballots—must occur on Election Day. The election integrity groups argue that timing is critical; acceptance of ballots post-Election Day could compromise voter confidence and lead to ambiguity in election results.
The timing of the lawsuit is also strategic. Oral arguments are set for March 23, with a ruling expected by summer. This timing positions the case as pivotal not only for Mississippi but also for how elections could be conducted nationally going forward. The RNC successfully argued before the 5th Circuit Court that state rules permitting the counting of ballots postmarked on Election Day are superseded by federal law.
This issue has gained attention amid ongoing conversations about the integrity of mail-in voting, especially following guidance from the U.S. Postal Service. The Postal Service warned that postmarks might not always provide a reliable indication of when ballots are mailed. Such uncertainty could exacerbate concerns about election integrity.
The potential ramifications are significant. Four Republican-controlled states—Kansas, Ohio, Utah, and North Dakota—have already taken steps to align their voting laws with the call for stricter deadlines. They require that ballots be received by Election Day rather than merely postmarked on that date. Upholding the 5th Circuit’s ruling could set a precedent that reshapes voting laws across the country and may influence the dynamics of the upcoming midterms.
It’s important to note that military and overseas ballots would likely remain unaffected by any changes resulting from this case. Under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, those ballots have specific provisions that allow for broader acceptance.
This challenge brought forth by election integrity groups and the RNC illuminates critical issues surrounding mail-in voting deadlines. As the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate, the decision could have lasting implications on voting laws and public confidence in election outcomes with the stakes set high for the future electoral landscape.
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