US Supreme Court rejects Trump mail ballot challenge

The US Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling, rejected a challenge supported by President Donald Trump that aimed to tighten mail-in ballot deadlines before the 2026 midterm elections. The court upheld a Mississippi law allowing ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within five days. Trump criticized the decision as a loss for voters’ rights and continued to advocate for stricter election laws.

• The US Supreme Court narrowly rejected a challenge to mail-in ballot deadlines supported by Donald Trump.
• The ruling upholds a Mississippi law that allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within five days.
• The decision was made in a 5-4 vote, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett writing for the majority.
• Justice Samuel Alito dissented, arguing that counting ballots after Election Day effectively postpones the choice of the electorate, which federal law precludes.
• Trump called the ruling a “tremendous loss” and urged Congress to pass the Save America Act, which would require photo ID and proof of citizenship and restrict mail-in voting.
• Trump claims widespread voter fraud cost him the 2020 election and argues for tighter US election laws.
• Democrats and voting rights groups argue that Trump’s proposals would disenfranchise eligible voters, especially minorities, low-income voters, and the elderly.