A recent Supreme Court decision has limited President Trump in his quest for stricter voting laws. This was not the only defeat he had to endure in front of the highest court.
The US Supreme Court has ruled that states can count mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, as long as they are postmarked by that day.
This decision overturned an appeals court ruling that deemed a similar regulation in Mississippi incompatible with federal law. The majority of the Court decided that while federal laws establish the date for federal elections, there is no requirement for mail-in ballots to be received by that date. What matters is that the ballot is cast by Election Day.
Trump’s Attempt to Restrict Mail-In Voting
President Donald Trump has long pushed for stricter rules regarding mail-in voting and voter registration. However, key components of his related decrees have been blocked by federal courts.
Had the Supreme Court ruled in Trump’s favor, states would have had to adjust their rules just months before the upcoming midterm elections. Trump has repeatedly linked mail-in voting to electoral fraud, without presenting evidence to support his claims.
Court Upholds Compensation Verdict Against Trump
Additionally, Trump failed in his attempt to overturn a lower court ruling that mandates he pay a journalist $5 million (approximately €4.4 million) in damages for sexual abuse and subsequent defamation. The justices dismissed the case without providing reasons.
Reinstatement of Fed Board Member
The Supreme Court also rejected a government request related to its dispute with the US Federal Reserve, allowing board member Lisa Cook to remain in office for the time being. The court proceedings surrounding her position continue in lower courts.
The justices based their decision on the fact that Cook had not been given adequate opportunity to respond to the charges against her prior to her dismissal. They emphasized the over 200-year-old US tradition of an independent central bank free from political influence. This independence is crucial for trust in monetary policy and financial stability.
