The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Bost v. Illinois State Board of Elections, a case that could reshape how courts determine candidate and political organization standing in challenges to state election laws.
At issue: an Illinois statute that allows absentee ballots to be counted up to 14 days after Election Day, so long as they are postmarked—or simply signed and certified—by Election Day. Illinois is one of 17 states that allow mail ballots to be returned after election day.
Plaintiffs, including U.S. Rep. Mike Bost and two candidates for presidential elector, argue that this law violates federal statutes establishing a single national Election Day and infringes on their constitutional rights by diluting lawfully cast votes and imposing burdens on federal campaigns.
Lower courts dismissed the case for lack of standing. But SCOTUS has agreed to hear it—potentially clarifying whether and when federal candidates and political organizations can challenge election rules before votes are cast.
We’re proud that our partner Chris Murray is filing an amicus brief in this pivotal case, which could have lasting implications for election integrity, candidate rights, and the federal–state balance in setting election procedures.
Read More: Bost v. Illinois – RITE Amicus