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

The Supreme Court upheld Mississippi's law allowing mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day to arrive within five business days and still be counted. The Court affirmed the Fifth Circuit's decision.

Justice Barrett wrote the 5–4 opinion, joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson; Justices Alito, Thomas, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh dissented.

Majority

Barrett

Roberts

Sotomayor

Kagan

Jackson

Dissent

Alito

Thomas

Gorsuch

Kavanaugh

Mississippi election officials may continue counting qualifying mailed ballots that arrive shortly after Election Day. For example, a voter whose ballot is postmarked on Election Day can have it counted if it reaches officials within the five-business-day window.

Mississippi election officials can continue applying the law in future federal elections. Lower courts and affected parties must follow the Supreme Court's decision in related disputes.

The Court upheld Mississippi's rule counting mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within five business days.

Mississippi voters using mail ballots and local election officials are directly affected. Eligible ballots arriving shortly after Election Day may still be counted.

Mississippi officials may continue enforcing the ballot-receipt rule. Lower courts must apply the Supreme Court's decision in related cases.