1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the upcoming Supreme Court case, RNC v. Wetzel, which threatens to undermine the integrity of our voting system and disenfranchise countless American voters. This case challenges Mississippi's five-day grace period for late-arriving mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day, a policy that ensures every vote is counted. The implications of this case extend far beyond Mississippi. A ruling in favor of the Republican National Committee could invalidate similar grace periods in 16 states and Washington D.C., potentially disenfranchising hundreds of thousands of voters. In 2024 alone, nearly 104,000 ballots were rejected for arriving too late. Eliminating grace periods would only exacerbate this problem, silencing the voices of voters who mailed their ballots on time but fell victim to postal delays. These grace periods are not just a convenience; they are a necessity for many voters, including those with disabilities and overseas voters who rely on mail-in voting to participate in our democracy. The right to vote is fundamental to our democratic process, and we must do everything in our power to protect it. The argument that Election Day must be the day ballots are both cast and received is short-sighted and fails to account for the realities of our postal system. It effectively penalizes voters for circumstances beyond their control and goes against the spirit of fair and accessible elections. I urge you to use your influence to support the preservation of mail-in voting grace periods. Advocate for an amicus brief in support of Mississippi's position in this case. Speak out publicly about the importance of these grace periods for ensuring every vote is counted. The integrity of our elections and the voices of countless voters hang in the balance. The Supreme Court is set to hear this case in the coming spring, with a decision expected by July. We must act now to protect the voting rights of all Americans. Our democracy depends on it.