Ballots by Election Day Act

The Ballots by Election Day Act would amend federal election law to require that absentee and mail-in ballots for federal offices be received by election officials no later than the time polls close on Election Day. This provision directly affects voters who use mail or absentee voting methods, as it prohibits states from counting ballots that arrive after this deadline. An exception is included for uniformed service members and overseas citizens, whose ballots may still be accepted after Election Day if state laws allow it. The new rules would apply to federal elections held in 2027 and any subsequent years.