SCOTUS hears Watson v. RNC on whether federal law overrides state mail ballot grace periods

The Supreme Court hears oral arguments in Watson v. RNC, a case that could eliminate mail ballot grace periods in 14 states and the District of Columbia before the 2026 midterms. The Republican National Committee argues that a 1872 federal statute setting a uniform Election Day preempts state grace periods that allow ballots postmarked by Election Day to arrive and be counted after Election Day. During questioning, Justice Amy Coney Barrett and Justice Brett Kavanaugh raise doubts about the states' argument. Justice Sonia Sotomayor challenges whether the 1872 Congress intended to invalidate state accommodations for postal delays. A ruling is expected by late June 2026.