Supreme Court Reviews Illinois Mail-In Ballot Challenge

The Supreme Court will review whether Republican Rep. Mike Bost and two GOP presidential electors have legal standing to challenge an Illinois law permitting mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received up to 14 days later. Lower courts previously dismissed their case, finding the plaintiffs were not sufficiently harmed to sue. Bost, his co-plaintiffs, and national Republicans, including former President Trump, argue that such laws dilute votes and violate federal election requirements, with Trump having issued an executive order targeting post-Election Day ballot counting. Illinois is among at least 18 states with similar provisions. The Supreme Court's review will center on the procedural question of standing, with oral arguments expected in the fall and a decision likely by June 2026. The case could significantly impact mail-in voting rules and election litigation nationwide.