The Supreme Court announced Monday it will hear a challenge over mail-in ballots arriving past Election Day in a major effort by Republicans to end the counting of late-arriving ballots.
Without comment, the court agreed to hear the dispute out of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled that it is illegal for Mississippi to count ballots up to five days after Election Day.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi extended the period for receiving ballots up to five days past Election Day. The state kept the change after the pandemic ended, prompting the challenge.
The court’s decision could curtail voting laws in other states: More than 18 states and territories allow ballots to be received after Election Day, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The case is Michael Watson, Mississippi secretary of state v. Republican National Committee, et al.
It took four justices to vote in favor of hearing the dispute.
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Oral arguments are expected later this term, with a decision expected by the end of June.
