MLBC Responds to SCOTUS Decision on Absentee Voting

The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus welcomes today’s decision by the United States Supreme Court to uphold Mississippi’s five-day absentee ballot receipt window and reject an effort that would have disenfranchised lawfully registered voters across our state.  

The challenge to Mississippi’s absentee voting law was part of a broader national effort initiated by the Republican Party to restrict access to the ballot box. Had the challenge succeeded, countless Mississippians who complied with every legal requirement could have seen their votes discarded simply because of postal delays outside of their control.  

The Caucus has consistently maintained that democracy is strongest when every eligible voter has a meaningful opportunity to participate. Voters should not be penalized because they are serving in the military, living in rural communities, elderly, disabled, or otherwise dependent upon absentee voting.  

While today’s ruling preserves an important protection for voters, we remain deeply concerned about the continuing attacks on voting rights nationwide and in Mississippi. The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus will continue to advocate for policies that expand access to the ballot, protect against discrimination, and ensure that every vote is counted and every voice is heard.