Story perspectives

Supreme Court Rejects Trump Bid to Limit 2026 Mail Voting

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 11:26 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Election officials began in-person early voting for the 2026 midterms on September 18, continuing through November 3.
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s request to limit mail ballots for the 2026 elections.
South Carolina’s voter-registration deadline is October 2-5, 2026, with early voting October 19-31.
Virginia’s early-voting runs September 18–October 31, 2026.
Virginia voters will decide amendments on reproductive rights, marriage equality, and felon voting-rights restoration.

History

Historical Context

After the 2000 presidential race hinged on a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling that halted Florida’s recount—leaving George W. Bush ahead of Al Gore by just 537 votes—the nation saw election-related lawsuits more than double. That legacy resurfaced in 2026 when the Supreme Court rejected Donald Trump’s effort to restrict mail ballots, echoing the earlier battle over ballot access.

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Story summary

Election officials began in-person early voting for the 2026 midterms on September 18, continuing through November 3.
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump’s request to limit mail ballots for the 2026 elections.
South Carolina’s voter-registration deadline is October 2-5, 2026, with early voting October 19-31.
Virginia’s early-voting runs September 18–October 31, 2026.
Virginia voters will decide amendments on reproductive rights, marriage equality, and felon voting-rights restoration.

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