Supreme Court expected to rule in Watson v. RNC by end of term

The Supreme Court is expected to issue its decision in Watson v. Republican National Committee before the end of the Court's 2025-2026 term on June 30, 2026. Election officials nationwide await the ruling, which will determine whether the 1872 federal Election Day statute preempts state mail ballot grace periods. A ruling against grace periods would force emergency legislative action in 14 states and D.C. and could affect millions of mail ballots cast in the 2026 midterm elections. The case represents a watershed moment in federal election administration and the balance between state flexibility and uniform national voting standards.