December 31, 2025
The near-even split reflects a decade of post-Shelby County backlash playing out simultaneously in statehouses
16 states enacted 31 restrictive voting laws in 2025 — second highest total since Brennan Center began tracking in 2011
25 states enacted 30 expansive voting laws in 2025 — the closest the count has ever been
Ohio, Kansas, North Dakota, and Utah banned counting mail ballots received after Election Day (with military exceptions)
Virginia's legislature advanced a constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights after felony release, covering 300,000+ Virginians
Missouri prefiled bills requiring hand-counting of almost all ballots and creating a new secretary of state election investigation office
The Supreme Court agreed in November 2025 to hear Watson v. RNC, with arguments set for March 23, 2026
Watson v. RNC challenges Mississippi's (and 30 other states') practice of counting mail ballots postmarked by Election Day but received days later
All 30 expansive laws and 30 of the 31 restrictive laws will be in effect for the 2026 midterms
Nonpartisan policy institute that tracks state voting legislation since 2011
Republican-controlled state legislature
State legislature that passed SJR 248
Missouri Secretary of State (sworn in January 13, 2025)
National party committee