Chicago – June 30, 2026
The US Supreme Court has ruled that states may continue counting mailed ballots that arrive after Election Day, provided they were mailed on time under state law, rejecting a legal challenge backed by former President Donald Trump and his allies.
In its decision, the court declined to invalidate state policies that allow election officials to count ballots received after Election Day if they bear a timely postmark. Several states have adopted such rules to ensure that voters are not disenfranchised because of postal delays.
The challenge argued that federal law requires all ballots to be received by Election Day to be counted. However, the Supreme Court left existing state practices intact, allowing election authorities to continue following their established deadlines for processing eligible mailed ballots.
Election officials and voting rights advocates welcomed the ruling, saying it provides clarity ahead of future elections and helps protect the voting rights of citizens who cast their ballots in accordance with state requirements.
Trump and his supporters have repeatedly questioned mail-in voting procedures in recent election cycles, claiming they undermine election integrity. Courts across the United States have generally found no evidence of widespread fraud affecting election outcomes, while states continue to administer elections under their respective laws.
