The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), enacted in 1986, requires states to allow active-duty military members, their dependents, and U.S. citizens living abroad to register and vote absentee in federal elections. It also requires states to send absentee ballots at least 45 days before federal elections. UOCAVA voters often cannot guarantee their ballot will arrive back to the U.S. by Election Day, which is why many states have grace periods specifically for UOCAVA ballots. A ruling in Watson v. RNC that requires all ballots to be received by Election Day could create a direct conflict with UOCAVA protections.