June 29, 2026 The National Task Force on Election Crises Welcomes SCOTUS Decision Upholding Grace Period for Mail Ballots

On June 29, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled in Watson v. Republican National Committee that states may lawfully accept and count mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day and received within a grace period. In response, the cross-partisan National Task Force on Election Crises released the following statement.

“This ruling affirms a longstanding and lawful practice: counting ballots that were cast on time, even when they arrive shortly after Election Day. This practice is fully consistent with federal law, and the decision appropriately recognizes the authority of states to determine their own election rules so long as they do not conflict with federal law.

“Mail voting is a secure, convenient option for tens of millions of Americans, including military service members, American citizens overseas, voters in rural areas and those with disabilities or health concerns. By upholding existing grace periods, the Supreme Court has preserved settled practices and avoided an outcome that could disenfranchise certain voters due to delays outside their control. This decision provides much-needed certainty for voters and election officials alike, who can now continue their preparations with clarity and confidence ahead of the midterm elections.”