Overview
- The Court ruled 5-4 on Monday in Watson v. Republican National Committee that states may count ballots postmarked by Election Day but received afterward, upholding Mississippi’s five-business-day rule.
- Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the majority opinion that federal election-day statutes set when votes are cast but do not set when ballots must be received, a distinction that returns receipt rules to states.
- Chief Justice John Roberts joined Barrett and the Court’s three liberal justices to form the majority while Justices Alito, Thomas, Gorsuch and Kavanaugh dissented, warning the ruling could erode public confidence.
- President Trump and Republican leaders condemned the decision, calling it a loss for election integrity and renewing calls for federal fixes such as the SAVE America Act, while voting-rights groups praised the ruling for protecting voter access.
- The decision preserves existing state practices expanded during the COVID-19 era, spares officials from last-minute rule changes ahead of the 2026 midterms, and leaves room for Congress or state lawmakers to tighten or clarify receipt deadlines.