Supreme Court Hears Mississippi Ballot Grace Period Case

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Monday in Watson v. Republican National Committee, a case challenging a Mississippi law that permits the counting of mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day but received up to five business days later. A majority of the justices appeared inclined to side with the challengers, who argue the practice violates federal statutes designating the Tuesday after the first Monday in November as Election Day.

The lawsuit was brought by the Republican National Committee, the Mississippi Republican Party, the Libertarian Party of Mississippi, and others. They contend that the 2020 Mississippi law, enacted amid the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts with federal laws from 1845 and 1872 that establish a uniform Election Day for presidential and congressional races. Lower courts, including the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, have ruled in favor of the challengers, prompting Mississippi's appeal to the Supreme Court.

During the two-hour arguments, several conservative justices expressed skepticism about extending ballot receipt deadlines. Justice Samuel Alito questioned the concept of "Election Day," noting, "If I have nothing more to look at than...