The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on March 24, 2026, in a case that could limit the counting of mail-in ballots received after Election Day. The case, Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP v. Mississippi, centers on a state law that allows officials to count absentee ballots received up to five days after an election if they are postmarked by Election Day.
Republican groups, including the Mississippi Republican Party, challenged the law, arguing it violates federal election statutes that set Election Day as the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. They contend that the state's five-day grace period for receiving ballots conflicts with this federal framework.
During arguments, the justices appeared divided, with conservative members questioning the legality of the extension. A ruling is expected by late June 2026. The outcome could affect voting procedures in Mississippi and potentially influence similar laws in other states ahead of future elections.
