Today’s Ruling Keeps Postmark Rules in Place for Millions of Voters
WASHINGTON – Today, the Supreme Court ruled to uphold state mail-in ballot postmark rules in Watson v. Republican National Committee—one of the most highly anticipated cases of this term. This ruling affirms states’ authority to determine whether election officials are allowed to count mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day but received by election officials after Election Day. Currently, 14 states and Washington, D.C. have these postmark rules for ballots. An additional 15 states—29 total, plus D.C.—accept military and overseas ballots postmarked by Election Day, even if they are received afterwards.
On behalf of Fair Elections Center, a national organization that defends, expands, and facilitates voting rights, President & CEO Rebekah Caruthers released the following statement:
“Today’s decision affirms a basic principle: voters who follow the rules and mail their ballots on time should not lose their voice due to delays beyond their control. By upholding postmark rules, the Court protects millions who rely on mail voting—in particular senior citizens, rural voters, people with disabilities, and military and overseas voters. This was the right decision, and reflects the realities of modern mail processing. We have a duty to count all ballots cast in good faith, and with nearly one-third of Americans voting by mail, it reinforces a system voters trust.”