WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that states can continue counting mailed ballots that arrive after Election Day, as long as they are postmarked by that date.
The decision rejects a Republican-led challenge backed by former President Donald Trump that targeted mail-in voting laws across the country. The case questioned whether federal law requires ballots to be both cast and received by Election Day.
The ruling allows current systems in more than half of U.S. states to remain in place, including New Mexico.
In New Mexico, the decision means absentee ballots that arrive after Election Day can still be counted, provided they were properly postmarked on or before that day. Election officials say the ruling avoids last-minute changes to voting procedures ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Supporters of the ruling say it preserves existing voting access, while critics have raised concerns about delays in counting ballots.
The decision ensures continuity for states that have relied on extended ballot deadlines, particularly for mail-in and overseas voting.
