politics
Supreme Court Allows States to Count Mail Ballots Received After Election Day
A 5-4 Supreme Court decision held that federal law permits states to count mail ballots arriving after Election Day. The ruling leaves open the possibility of congressional action to change the rules.
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The Supreme Court ruled this week that federal statutes allow states to accept and count mail ballots received after Election Day. The 5-4 decision came in a case brought by a state official seeking a nationwide rule. The majority interpreted existing federal law as permitting extended ballot receipt deadlines. Dissenting justices did not prevail in limiting the practice.
Background on the Dispute The case addressed whether states may continue counting ballots that arrive after polls close. California currently follows this practice, as do some other states. The ruling leaves the matter to Congress, which can amend the relevant statutes if it chooses. One such statute is 3 USC Section 1.
Some states require mail ballots to arrive by Election Day, while others allow later receipt. The decision does not require any state to change its current procedures. Additional lawsuits on absentee voting and election administration are expected. Congress may also consider legislation addressing ballot deadlines.
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