Supreme Court's Election & FTC Rulings: What You Need to Know

Summary

The Supreme Court has issued key rulings impacting election procedures and executive power. In Watson v. RNC, the court affirmed that states can count ballots received up to five days after Election Day, provided they are postmarked by election day. This decision, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett writing the majority opinion, allows for the counting of late-arriving absentee ballots, a move that has drawn criticism from conservatives concerned about potential voter fraud. The dissent, led by Justice Alito, argued that "election day" should mean the day ballots are received and counted, not just cast. Another significant ruling, Trump v. Slaughter, determined that the President can remove officers of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) due to the executive power resting with the President, overturning the precedent set in Humphrey's Executor. However, in a seemingly contradictory decision, Trump v. Cook, the court ruled that the President cannot fire a Federal Reserve official without cause. Justice Thomas dissented in Trump v. Cook, arguing the President should have the power to fire anyone in the executive branch. Overall, two of these three rulings are seen as cutting against the Trump administration's positions.