Supreme Court hears dispute on late-arriving mail-in ballots

The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in a case examining whether federal law prevents states from counting mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, even if they were postmarked by the deadline. The dispute centers on the tension between state election administration practices and federal election law—some states currently count late-arriving ballots while others do not. The ruling could standardize mail-ballot counting procedures nationwide and potentially affect future elections, particularly in states that currently accept ballots received days after Election Day. A decision either way carries implications for voter access and election administration, as it may require states to change established practices or affirm current ones. The Court is expected to issue a decision by the end of its term this summer.