Supreme Court Rules on Ballot Counting, FTC, and Fed Appointments

Summary

The Supreme Court has issued decisions on three key cases, impacting election procedures and presidential appointment powers. In Watson v. RNC, the court ruled that states are permitted to count ballots postmarked by Election Day, even if received up to five days later, a decision that has drawn criticism from conservatives concerned about potential voter fraud. Justice Amy Coney Barrett delivered the majority opinion, joined by Justices Roberts, Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson. In contrast, Justice Alito's dissent argued that accepting late ballots postpones the electorate's decision and can lead to manipulation. The court also addressed the President's power over executive appointments. In Trump v. Slaughter, the court held that the FTC cannot prevent the removal of its officers, asserting the President's executive power to fire them. This decision overturns the precedent set in Humphrey's Executor, which had suggested certain federal employees were protected from presidential removal. However, in Trump v. Cook, the court ruled that the President cannot fire a Federal Reserve official without cause, creating a distinction that Justice Thomas, in his dissent, argued is difficult to sustain, believing the President should have the power to fire anyone in the executive branch. Overall, two decisions appear to limit presidential authority, while one expands it.