Michael Watson, Mississippi Secretary of State, Petitioner v. Republican National Committee, et al.

The Supreme Court heard arguments in a fight over Mississippi's rule for mail ballots. The question is whether federal election-day laws block a state from counting ballots that are cast by Election Day but arrive shortly afterward.

The case was argued on March 23, 2026. The main dispute is whether federal election-day statutes require ballots to be both cast and received by Election Day, or instead allow Mississippi's short receipt period after that day.

The answer could affect how states handle close federal elections and how much time election officials have to receive mailed ballots. For example, voters who mail a ballot on time could be helped or hurt depending on whether late-arriving ballots may still count.

The justices are deciding whether federal election-day laws override Mississippi's rule for ballots cast by Election Day but received a little later. The case turns on what those federal statutes require.

It could change whether some mailed ballots in federal elections are counted after Election Day. That matters most for close races and voters whose ballots arrive shortly after the deadline.

The Court has already heard oral argument. The next step is a written opinion, which is generally expected by late June or early July unless the Court says otherwise.