Michael J. Bost, et al., Petitioners v. Illinois State Board of Elections, et al.

This case challenged Illinois’s rule counting mail ballots received within two weeks after Election Day. The candidates argued federal law sets Election Day and bars later-counted ballots. The Court held Congressman Bost had standing (the right to sue) to challenge vote-counting rules in his election.

Candidates for federal office are most directly affected. The Court said they have standing (a legal right to sue) over vote-counting rules in their elections. For example, an Illinois candidate can challenge counting mail ballots received within two weeks after Election Day. This could lead to more lawsuits over state election rules on counting votes. It also means courts may reach those disputes instead of dismissing them for lack of standing.

Not official Court text.