States Start Adjusting Mail‑Ballot Rules Ahead of Supreme Court Watson v. RNC Ruling on Post–Election Day Deadlines
7d
Developing
13
As the Supreme Court heard Watson v. Republican National Committee on March 23, 2026, justices — particularly the conservative majority — signaled skepticism about state "grace periods" that count mail ballots received after Election Day, while the RNC and other plaintiffs argue such rules conflict with federal Election Day statutes. Because 14 states and D.C. have general postmarked‑by‑Election‑Day grace periods and 29 states allow extra time for military/overseas voters — with Alaska, Washington and Illinois among those reporting thousands of late ballots — many states and local officials are already drafting legislation, contingency plans and voter‑education efforts to avoid confusion and potential disenfranchisement if the Court curtails late‑arrival counting.