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

This case asks if federal law prevents states from counting mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day. Mississippi currently allows ballots to be counted if they are received within five business days of the election, as long as they were cast on time.

The decision could change how millions of people vote by mail. If the Court strikes down Mississippi's law, other states might have to stop counting ballots that arrive after the polls close, even if they were mailed on time.

Federal statutes set a single day for choosing members of Congress and the President. This case explores whether those federal laws preempt (take priority over) state rules that give election officials extra time to process mail-in votes.

The justices heard oral arguments on March 23, 2026, focusing on whether federal law requires all ballots to be received by the national Election Day. No substantive justice or advocate reactions are available yet.

The Court must decide if a 'uniform' federal Election Day means all ballots must be in the hands of officials by that night.

The justices are currently drafting their opinions following the oral arguments. A final decision is expected before the end of the Court's term in early summer.

The case involves federal statutes that set the Tuesday after the first Monday in November as the uniform day for elections. These laws govern the timing for electing members of Congress and appointing presidential electors.

Voters who mail their ballots close to the deadline might find their votes uncounted if the mail is delayed. This could force voters to send their ballots much earlier to ensure they arrive by Election Day.

The Mississippi legislature amended its election code in 2020 to allow more time for mail-in ballots to arrive. This change was meant to ensure that ballots cast by the federal deadline are not disqualified due to postal delays.

Opponents argue that federal law requires the election to be held on a single day. They claim that receiving and counting ballots after that date violates the 'uniform' day requirement set by Congress.

The law remains in place until the Supreme Court issues a final ruling. The Court's decision will determine if the state can continue this practice in future federal elections.