MURPHYSBORO – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) and Judicial Watch announced Monday that the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear their case challenging Illinois’ statute that extends Election Day for 14 days beyond the date established by federal law.

“With the American people’s confidence in our elections at a discouraging low point, it’s more important than ever we work to restore their trust,” said Bost. “I believe a big part of that effort is ensuring all votes are tallied by Election Day, not days or weeks later. I am thankful the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear my appeal of Illinois’ election law. This is a critical moment for the rule of law and election integrity.”

“It is an injustice that the courts would deny a federal candidate the ability to challenge an election provision that could lead to illegal votes being cast and counted for two weeks AFTER Election Day. The Supreme Court’s decision to hear this case is a critical opportunity to uphold federal law, protect voter rights, and ensure election integrity. Illinois’ 14-day extension of Election Day thwarts federal law, violates the civil rights of voters, and invites fraud,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

Illinois’ election law allows vote-by-mail ballots received up to 14 days after the polls close on Election Day to be counted as if received on or before Election Day. Vote-by-mail ballots without postmarks can also be counted up to 14 calendar days after Election Day if they are dated on or before Election Day.

The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals had previously denied standing for the legal challenge to Illinois’ practice of counting ballots received after Election Day. Bost’s election integrity lawsuit was initially filed on May 25, 2022. You can read the complaint here.