If you think the fight over how we vote ended in 2020, think again.
The U.S. Supreme Court just jumped back into the ring – and this time, what they decide could change how Nevada handles mail-in ballots.
The Supreme Court Steps In
On November 10, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case out of Mississippi that’s got national attention.
The Republican National Committee and Mississippi Republican Party are challenging a 2020 state law that lets election officials count mail ballots up to five days after Election Day, as long as they were postmarked on time.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals struck that law down last year, saying ballots in federal elections have to be received by Election Day – not just mailed by then.
Now it’s headed to the high court to settle the question once and for all.
What It Means for Nevada Voters
So, that’s Mississippi – what’s it got to do with us? Actually, plenty.
Nevada’s law allows mail ballots that are postmarked by Election Day to still count if they arrive within four days after.
That puts us in the same category as 18 other states and Washington, D.C., which also let late-arriving ballots slide in as long as they’re postmarked on time.
So if the Supreme Court rules that ballots must be in by Election Day to count, Nevada’s rules would likely have to change as well.
GOP Leaders Say It’s About Fairness
Republicans say this is about fairness and faith in the system.
They argue there should be one Election Day – not Election Week or Election Month.
They also point out that counting ballots for days after polls close can lead to confusion and mistrust, especially when races tighten and results swing days later.
As the RNC put it in a similar lawsuit here in Nevada last year, “federal law sets one Election Day, not an Election Week.”
And of course, President Donald Trump has been outspoken on this issue for years, calling late-arriving mail ballots “a disaster waiting to happen” and saying they open the door to mistakes or fraud.
Democrats Say It’s About Access
Democrats and voting-rights groups see it differently.
They argue that throwing out ballots mailed on time is unfair – especially for seniors, rural voters, or those relying on slower mail service.
They say if you follow the rules and postmark your ballot by Election Day, it should count, no matter how long the mail takes.
They also claim stricter deadlines could disenfranchise legitimate voters who did everything right.
How This Could Change Nevada Elections
Nevada’s a swing state – just six electoral votes, but they’re often among the last to be counted.
If this ruling changes our mail-in system, it could mean faster results on election night, but also fewer ballots being accepted after the fact.
That could affect not just presidential races but close state contests where every vote matters.
And this isn’t just about Mississippi.
The Court is also hearing a similar case out of Illinois, where officials count mail ballots up to two weeks after Election Day.
So whatever the justices decide could set a nationwide standard.
The Future of Election Day
This is a big one.
The Court’s ruling could reshape how elections are run – not only in Mississippi or Illinois, but right here in Nevada.
The decision coming out of Washington in the next few months will tell us where the line gets drawn.
And in a close state like Nevada, that line could decide who wins – and who doesn’t – in 2026.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
