Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Bost v. Illinois State Board of Elections, a pivotal election integrity case challenging extended ballot counting deadlines and seeking to reestablish the primacy of Election Day.
The Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) filed an amicus brief in support of the Plaintiff, urging the Supreme Court to take up the case and address the constitutional concerns raised by Illinois’ practice of counting ballots received after Election Day. PILF’s brief emphasized the need for nationwide uniformity and the risks of prolonged ballot acceptance periods.
The case marks a critical milestone in a years-long legal effort to restore confidence in timely election results and reinforce the constitutional importance of one decisive Election Day. The case was spearheaded by Russ Nobile, lead counsel at Judicial Watch.
“Long delays in results destabilize the country. This is an important step for Election Day meaning Election Day,” said J. Christian Adams, President of PILF. “We congratulate Russ Nobile and Judicial Watch for securing Supreme Court review in this significant case.”
The case is part of a broader litigation strategy that has unfolded across multiple states including Illinois, North Dakota, and Mississippi targeting a patchwork of state laws permitting ballots to arrive and be counted well after polls close. These lawsuits highlight how extended deadlines erode voter confidence, undermine uniformity, and invite unnecessary litigation and confusion.
PILF has been covering the failure of state governments to maintain Election Day standards for several years. In its Worst to First report, PILF spotlighted Florida’s turnaround from one of the slowest states in ballot counting following the 2000 election to one of the fastest and most secure. The report highlights Florida’s reforms as a model for other states still plagued by late counts and inconsistent deadlines.
Contact:
Douglas Blair (503) 956-9899 dblair@publicinterestlegal.org