Supreme Court Leans Toward Ending Post-Election Mail Ballot Counting

The Supreme Court's conservative majority sounded skeptical of state laws allowing late-arriving mail ballots to be counted.

“Mark Sherman, Associated PressMark Sherman, Associated Press Leave your feedback WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court's conservative majority sounds skeptical of state laws that allow the counting of late-arriving mail ballots, a persistent target of President Donald Trump”

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The court was hearing a case from Mississippi that could affect 13 other states and the District of Columbia.

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A ruling is expected by late June, early enough for the 2026 midterms.

The court challenge is part of Trump's broader attack on mail balloting.

Justice Alito wondered about the appearance of fraud when a big stash of ballots arrive late.

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Mississippi's Solicitor General pointed out that no cases of fraud have been submitted.

The Alaska Division of Elections is monitoring the case closely.

“Democracy Dies in Darkness By Associated Press The U”

The Washington Post

Washington will have to overhaul its vote-by-mail practices if grace periods are struck down.

In 2024, about 127,000 Washington voters cast late-arriving ballots that counted.

The court's liberal justices indicated they would uphold state laws with post-Election Day deadlines.

Washington's elections director called disqualifying later ballots a barrier for no compelling reason.

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He warned it will confuse the public about the rules.