Statement from Evan Power, Chairman, Republican Party of Florida:
“The Supreme Court’s decision in Watson v. RNC highlights exactly why we must secure our elections. While we disagree with the outcome, it reinforces the urgent need for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act and restore clear deadlines so that Election Day truly means Election Day. The RNC and Republicans will not be deterred; we will continue our aggressive fight for election integrity both in the courts and on the ground.”
KEY MESSAGE: This decision makes it even more imperative that Congress pass the SAVE America Act. Democrats are inviting chaos at the ballot box by allowing elections to drag on for days and weeks after voters cast their ballots. Republicans are not going to be deterred by this decision, and the RNC will keep fighting to have elections end on Election Day as Americans want.
Watson v. RNC
Today, the Supreme Court ruled that states can count ballots received after Election Day.
While the RNC disagrees with the decision, the underlying problem has not changed: elections should have clear rules, clear deadlines, and timely results.
For nearly two years, the RNC fought this case because Americans deserve confidence that federal elections are conducted under uniform standards nationwide.
In 2024, the RNC and the Mississippi Republican Party sued to stop Mississippi’s law allowing mail ballots received up to five days after Election Day to be counted.
The RNC previously won in the Fifth Circuit, which agreed that federal law establishes a national Election Day, and kept fighting this case when it was appealed to the Supreme Court.
The fight for election integrity does not end with one case. The RNC will continue aggressively pursuing legal and on the ground efforts to protect the ballot box.
Election Day Should Mean Election Day
If we want fair, secure, and transparent elections, Election Day should mean exactly what it says.
Americans should not have to wait days or weeks to know the outcome of an election.
Elections that drag on after Election Day create confusion and undermine confidence in the process.
This Decision Makes Election Integrity Reforms More Important Than Ever
This ruling underscores why Congress should immediately pass the SAVE America Act.
Only American citizens should vote in American elections. That is the law and simple common sense.
The RNC is currently defending Arizona’s proof of citizenship requirements in another major case, which the Supreme Court today agreed to hear.
The RNC will continue fighting to ensure election laws are enforced and that only eligible citizens participate and only legal ballots are counted in our elections.
Polling Shows Americans Agree
Polling shows voters overwhelmingly support commonsense election safeguards.
83% of likely voters agree ballots should be received by Election Day, including large majorities of independents and Democrats.
Americans consistently support voter ID, accurate voter rolls, proof of citizenship protections, and other measures that strengthen confidence in elections.
This Case Is Just One Part of the RNC’s Nationwide Election Integrity Program
The RNC has secured major victories defending election laws across the country and will continue fighting in courts and at the ballot box.
The RNC is currently engaged in more than 150 election integrity cases in more than 30 states.
The RNC’s election integrity program focuses on:
Defending voter ID laws
Securing mail ballot safeguards
Stopping non-citizens from voting
Ensuring accurate voter rolls
One court decision will not deter the RNC from protecting election integrity.
Evan Power
Chairman, Republican Party of Florida
