WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican National Committee (RNC)
Chairman Joe Gruters released the following statement after the Supreme Court
ruled in Bost v. Illinois State Board of Elections:
“Today’s Supreme Court decision is a major win for election integrity and basic
accountability,” said Chairman Gruters. “Federal law is clear: Election
Day should be the deadline for ballots to be received, which is why the RNC
filed an amicus brief supporting Congressman Bost’s challenge to Illinois’
ridiculous practice of counting ballots received up to two weeks after an
election. Today, the Court confirmed candidates can challenge unlawful election
procedures in their own races – a key step toward ending this unlawful scheme.”
Background
- In July 2024, the RNC filed an amicus brief at the Supreme
Court in support of Congressman Bost’s lawsuit.
- Illinois law requires election officials to count mail-in
ballots received up to two weeks after an election as long as they are
postmarked by Election Day.
- Allowing ballots to arrive after Election Day delays
results, creates confusion, and erodes public trust in our elections.
- In 2022, Congressman Mike Bost sued to block Illinois’
practice of counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day, arguing
it violates federal law requiring elections to be decided on Election Day.
- After lower courts dismissed the case, the Supreme Court
ruled that as a candidate, Bost has standing to challenge Illinois’
unlawful election procedures going forward.
- The RNC is fighting to enforce federal law requiring ballots
to be received by Election Day.
- In November, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the RNC's
lawsuit, Watson v. RNC, where the Court will decide on the merits
whether Mississippi's law that allows the counting of ballots received
after Election Day conflicts with federal law.
- Last year, the RNC intervened to help defend President
Trump's election integrity Executive
Order which directs the Attorney General to enforce the
Election Day deadline.
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