FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Carson City, NV – Today, the United States Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision in Watson v. Republican National Committee, held that federal election laws do not prevent states from counting absentee ballots that are postmarked by Election Day but received afterward within deadlines established by state law. The Court concluded that federal law sets the deadline for when ballots must be cast, but not when election officials must receive them.

The decision is particularly significant for Nevada. During the 2024 election, more than 44 percent of Nevada voters cast their ballots by mail, and 11,875 ballots that were postmarked by Election Day were counted after arriving within Nevada’s statutory four-day grace period.

“Today’s decision in Watson v. Republican National Committee provides important certainty for Nevada’s election system as we prepare for the 2026 elections. A different outcome could have disrupted longstanding election procedures and created unnecessary confusion for voters and election officials across our state.

Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada is committed to ensuring that every eligible Nevadan has a meaningful opportunity to participate in our democracy. This includes military members serving overseas, voters with disabilities who may be unable to vote in person, and Nevadans living in rural communities where voting centers may be many miles away.

Nevada’s vote-by-mail system helps ensure that eligible voters who follow the law are able to have their ballots counted. Today’s decision affirms that states retain the authority to establish reasonable procedures for counting timely cast ballots. While this ruling preserves Nevada’s current election process, we will continue working alongside our coalition partners to protect fair, accessible, and secure elections for every eligible voter in our state.” said Rev. Paul M. Larson, Advocacy Director.

Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen civic participation, protect the constitutional right to vote, and ensure every eligible voter can fully participate in our democracy.

For Media Contact:

Rev. Paul M. Larson
Advocacy Director
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada
paullarson@leanforjustice.org