Supreme Court hears mail-in ballot case that could impact the midterms

Key Points:

• The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing a case challenging the counting of mail-in ballots received after Election Day but postmarked by that day, a practice currently allowed in 14 states and D.C.
• The Republican National Committee argues that federal law sets Election Day as the definitive date for counting ballots, contending that counting late-arriving mail-in ballots undermines election integrity.
• Justices appeared divided along ideological lines, with conservatives emphasizing the literal interpretation of Election Day and liberals noting the longstanding acceptance of counting ballots received shortly after Election Day.
• A ruling against the state law could disrupt election procedures ahead of the midterms, potentially barring states from counting ballots received after Election Day and complicating the administration of both federal and state elections.
• The case highlights broader tensions over election laws, with Congress also considering legislation like the SAVE Act that would impose stricter voting regulations, raising questions about the balance of power between federal and state election rules.