Federal Election-Day Statutes Supreme Court Case (Watson v. Republican National Committee)
The Supreme Court ruled on June 29, 2026, in Watson v. Republican National Committee that federal election-day statutes do not prevent Mississippi from counting absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day but received up to five days later, reversing a Fifth Circuit ruling. As of June 29, 2026: The Court held that 'election' refers to when voters cast ballots, not when officials receive them, upholding similar laws in approximately 14 states and Washington D.C. The case, which challenged whether federal law mandates ballots must be received by Election Day, involved amicus briefs from various groups including the League of Women Voters of Mississippi and National Security Leaders for America.
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June 2026 — 1 developments
Supreme Court Upholds State Laws Allowing Post-Election Day Receipt of Absentee Ballots
The Supreme Court ruled in Watson v. Republican National Committee that federal election-day statutes do not prevent Mississippi from counting absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day but received up to five days later. The Court held that 'election' refers to when voters cast ballots, not when officials receive them, reversing a Fifth Circuit ruling. This decision upholds similar laws in approximately 14 states and Washington D.C.
February 2026 — 1 developments
Representative Burlison leads amicus brief urging Supreme Court to uphold federal election law
Representative Eric Burlison is leading an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in the case of Watson v. Republican National Committee. The brief urges the court to uphold federal law mandating a single, uniform day for federal elections. The case specifically addresses Mississippi's law that permits counting absentee ballots received after Election Day if they were postmarked by Election Day.
January 2026 — 15 developments
Supreme Court to Hear Arguments in Watson v. RNC Election Day Ballot Case
The U.S. Supreme Court announced it will hear oral arguments for the Watson v. Republican National Committee case on Monday, March 23, 2026. This case challenges whether federal law mandates ballots must be received by Election Day.
BCLP appellate litigators filed amicus brief in Supreme Court case Watson v. RNC for NSL4A
Appellate litigators from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case of Watson v. Republican National Committee on behalf of National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A).
League of Women Voters of Mississippi Files Amicus Brief Defending Mail Ballot Extension Law
The League of Women Voters of Mississippi (LWVMS) filed an amicus brief defending a state law that permits counting mail ballots received up to five days after Election Day if they were mailed by Election Day. This brief supports the respondent's position in the *Watson v. Republican National Committee* case.
Senators Padilla and Wyden Lead Amicus Brief in Supreme Court Ballot Grace Period Case
A ruling in the Supreme Court case could invalidate similar ballot grace periods in 30 other states. U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Ron Wyden led a group in filing an amicus brief, and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals previously reversed a lower court's decision in the case.
U.S. Supreme Court Rules Candidates Can Sue Over Election Laws Before Voting
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that candidates have standing to sue over election laws they believe to be unconstitutional before voting takes place. The justices are slated to hear *Watson v. Republican National Committee*.
Brennan Center Urges Supreme Court to Protect State Ballot Counting Laws
The Brennan Center and co-counsel filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to protect state laws that allow counting ballots sent by Election Day but arriving shortly after, emphasizing the impact on military and overseas voters.
Native American Organizations File Amicus Brief in Watson v. RNC Case on Ballot Deadlines
Three Native American organizations filed an amicus brief in the Watson v. Republican National Committee case, addressing state deadlines for ballots received after Election Day.
Public Rights Project Files Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Uphold Absentee Ballot Grace Periods
The Public Rights Project filed an amicus brief on January 9, 2026, on behalf of 16 local election officials and governments, urging the Supreme Court to uphold absentee ballot grace periods.
Protect Democracy, Campaign Legal Center file amicus brief in Supreme Court case
Protect Democracy and the Campaign Legal Center have filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case Watson v. Republican National Committee, arguing that Mississippi has the right to set its own deadlines for receiving ballots.
Election Officials Urge Supreme Court to Uphold Absentee Ballot Grace Periods
A bipartisan coalition of local election officials filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to uphold absentee ballot grace periods, arguing that the Fifth Circuit's ruling would cause chaos in election administration.
Constitutional Accountability Center Files Amicus Brief in Watson v. RNC on Mississippi Absentee Ballot Law
The Constitutional Accountability Center filed an amicus brief in the *Watson v. Republican National Committee* case on January 9, 2026. The brief addresses the challenge to a Mississippi law allowing absentee ballots to be counted if received after Election Day.
DNC files amicus brief in RNC case, warns of voter disenfranchisement from mail delays
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) filed an amicus brief in the *Watson v. Republican National Committee* case, warning that a ruling for the RNC could disenfranchise voters due to mail delays and impact military and overseas voters.
ACLU files amicus brief in Supreme Court case Watson v. RNC, challenging election law interpretation
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case *Watson v. Republican National Committee*. The ACLU argues against the Republican National Committee's interpretation of federal election laws, which they believe would disenfranchise voters.
Over 50 former military leaders and diplomats urge Supreme Court to protect extended ballot counting laws
Amicus briefs were filed by various individuals and organizations, including over 50 former military leaders and diplomats, urging the Supreme Court to protect state laws that allow counting ballots that are sent by and arrive shortly after Election Day.
Petitioner Michael Watson files brief with Supreme Court
Petitioner Michael Watson filed his brief with the Supreme Court.
November 2025 — 1 developments
Supreme Court grants certiorari, will hear case in 2025-2026 term
The Supreme Court granted certiorari, agreeing to hear the case during its October 2025-2026 term.
June 2025 — 1 developments
Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson Appeals Fifth Circuit Decision to Supreme Court
Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson appealed the Fifth Circuit's decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.
March 2025 — 1 developments
Fifth Circuit declines Mississippi's motion for en banc rehearing
The Fifth Circuit declined a motion from Mississippi to rehear the case en banc before the court's full membership.
October 2024 — 1 developments
Fifth Circuit reverses Mississippi election law, requires federal ballots cast and received by Election Day
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed the district court's decision, holding that federal election-day statutes preempt Mississippi's law and require ballots for federal office to be both cast and received by Election Day.
July 2024 — 1 developments
Mississippi Court Upholds Absentee Ballot Grace Period Law
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi granted summary judgment in favor of the state officials, ruling that the Mississippi law allowing a grace period for absentee ballots did not conflict with federal statutes.
February 2024 — 1 developments
Libertarian Party of Mississippi filed companion case, consolidated with RNC lawsuit
The Libertarian Party of Mississippi filed a similar companion case, which was later consolidated with the RNC's lawsuit.