Judicial Watch Appeals Illinois Mail-In Ballot Law

Judicial Watch, a conservative legal organization, is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn an Illinois law that allows mail-in ballots to be counted for 14 days after Election Day, citing concerns over legal standing and election integrity. This appeal follows a federal appeals court decision in Louisiana, which ruled against a similar Mississippi law, raising questions about post-Election Day ballot counting nationwide. Meanwhile, in Utah, lawmakers recently rejected a proposal that would have barred the counting of mail-in ballots arriving after polls closed, highlighting ongoing debates about ballot timeliness and election administration. Carol Davis from the Illinois Conservative Union anticipates that a recent federal ruling could lead to stricter counting laws across various states, potentially influencing future elections. The Illinois law, which provides a two-week window for counting mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day, has drawn criticism from conservative groups who argue it dilutes timely votes. As these issues evolve, future legal challenges and legislative actions are expected, especially with the 2026 midterms approaching.