Supreme Court Preserves Mail Ballot Grace Periods, Rejects Trump Appeals in Voting and Carroll Cases

June 29, 2026

The Supreme Court issued multiple significant rulings on Monday, with the primary decision upholding Mississippi's law permitting mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive within five business days afterward. This 5-4 ruling preserves similar provisions across 18 states and territories while rejecting arguments from the Republican National Committee that federal law mandates counting only ballots received by Election Day. Additionally, the Court declined to hear President Trump's appeal of a $5 million judgment in E.

Who is affected

Voters in Mississippi and 18 other states/territories with similar ballot receipt laws
Military personnel and overseas voters who rely on extended receipt periods
Voters with disabilities, rural residents, older Americans, and working people who depend on mail-in voting
President Donald Trump (legal defeats in multiple cases)
E. Jean Carroll (civil judgment upheld)
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook (allowed to remain in position)
Republican National Committee and Mississippi Republican Party (challenge rejected)
Election officials in states with post-Election Day receipt periods

What action is being taken

The Supreme Court is upholding Mississippi's absentee ballot law allowing counting of ballots postmarked by Election Day that arrive up to five business days later
Lisa Cook is remaining on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors while her lawsuit proceeds
Lower courts are continuing to hear Cook's lawsuit challenging her dismissal
Senator Elizabeth Warren is calling for Bill Pulte's removal as acting Director of National Intelligence and Director of FHFA

Why it matters

This ruling protects voters who follow state election rules from being disenfranchised due to postal delivery delays beyond their control, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like military personnel, disabled voters, and rural residents. The decision preserves states' longstanding authority to administer elections and determine ballot-counting procedures, affirming principles that have existed for over a century. The Federal Reserve case maintains the central bank's independence from political interference, which is crucial for economic stability. Together, these rulings represent significant checks on presidential authority and Republican efforts to restrict voting access while reinforcing federalism and institutional independence.

What's next

The Supreme Court will hear a challenge involving Arizona's voter registration laws requiring documentary proof of citizenship during its next term
A separate appeal involving an $83 million defamation judgment awarded to E. Jean Carroll is expected to reach the Supreme Court
Courts will continue deciding whether Trump's attempt to remove Lisa Cook was lawful

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer