The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Maryland’s mail-in ballot law, affirming the state’s authority to process ballots received after Election Day if they are timely postmarked by Election Day. The ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee safeguards mail-in ballot voters from potentially being disenfranchised in federal elections.
The Maryland State Board of Elections announced the decision on June 29, 2026. Mail-in ballots are considered timely if they are postmarked on or before Election Day or there is a proper date on the voter’s oath, and the ballots are received by 10 a.m. on the second Friday after Election Day.
Jared DeMarinis, State Administrator of Elections, said the law protects the rights of mail-in voters. “This law protects the rights of mail-in voters to make informed choices up to and including Election Day,” DeMarinis stated. “Voters can cast their mail-in ballots confidentially in the upcoming General Election knowing there will be no changes to Maryland’s law regarding receiving mail-in ballots.”
The ruling is significant for Maryland voters, particularly those who rely on mail-in ballots for convenience or accessibility. The decision ensures continuity in the state’s voting procedures and provides certainty for the upcoming elections.
The Maryland State Board of Elections encourages residents to rely on state and local government election officials as trusted sources for election information. Additional information about Maryland’s elections can be found at elections.maryland.gov or by downloading the free Go Vote Maryland! app from the Google Play store or the Apple store.
The Supreme Court’s decision comes amid ongoing national discussions about election administration and mail-in voting. Maryland’s law has been a model for balancing accessibility with election security.
For Southern Maryland residents in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties, the ruling ensures that mail-in voting remains a reliable option. Local election officials will continue to provide guidance on proper procedures for completing and returning ballots.
The Maryland State Board of Elections will continue to implement the law as upheld by the Supreme Court. Voters are encouraged to plan ahead for the upcoming General Election and utilize available resources for questions about mail-in voting.
This decision reinforces Maryland’s commitment to accessible and secure elections. The state will continue to support voters through education and efficient processing of mail-in ballots.
