FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2026
Contact: Kelsea Marie-Pym, Communications Director, kelsea@nonprofitvote.org
Nonprofit VOTE Applauds Supreme Court Decision Protecting States’ Ability to Count Timely Cast Mail Ballots
Court affirms that ballots postmarked by Election Day may continue to be counted under state law
BOSTON, MA — Today, Nonprofit VOTE welcomed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Watson v. Republican National Committee, which upheld Mississippi’s law allowing mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive within the state’s established receipt window. The decision preserves similar laws in numerous states that have long recognized that voters should not lose their voice because of postal delays beyond their control.
“Today’s decision recognizes an important principle: when eligible voters do everything the law requires to cast their ballot on time, they should not be disenfranchised because of circumstances outside their control,” said Brian Miller, Executive Director of Nonprofit VOTE. “The Court’s ruling helps ensure that states can continue to provide reliable pathways for voters to participate while maintaining clear election deadlines.”
Today’s ruling affirms that states may continue to count ballots that are cast by Election Day and received within reasonable deadlines established under state law. The decision has particular significance for voters who rely on mail voting as a practical necessity, including military and overseas voters, voters with disabilities, older Americans, rural voters, and those balancing work and caregiving responsibilities.
In addition to providing an alternate way to vote for those unable to easily make it to a polling location, mail-in ballots allow voters the time needed to make informed decisions. Modern ballots often ask voters to make decisions not only for federal offices, but also for judges, school boards, city councils, ballot initiatives, and constitutional amendments. Voting by mail gives many Americans the opportunity to carefully review those choices, research candidates and ballot measures, and cast informed ballots.
“Voting is not supposed to be a closed-book test,” Miller said. “Our democracy is strongest when voters have meaningful opportunities to participate and make informed decisions. Mail voting helps many Americans do exactly that.”
Nonprofit VOTE emphasized that the ruling does not require states to adopt any particular mail voting policy. Rather, it preserves the longstanding authority of states to establish reasonable procedures for counting ballots that voters lawfully cast by Election Day.
As the nation prepares for the 2026 midterm elections, Nonprofit VOTE encourages nonprofits and community organizations to continue educating voters about their state’s voting rules and deadlines, including when ballots must be mailed or returned
Founded in 2006, Nonprofit VOTE celebrates 20 years of democracy-building and fostering a more inclusive democracy. By leveraging the vast reach and trusted relationships of nonprofits, Nonprofit VOTE aims to ensure all people are heard, particularly people currently underrepresented in the democratic process. Nonprofit VOTE provides nonpartisan resources to help nonprofits integrate voter engagement into their ongoing activities and services.
