RAMONA GOOLSBY RESPONDS TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING IN WATSON v. REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE AND ITS IMPACT ON NEW MEXICO LAW

New Mexico — On June 29, 2026 the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision in Watson v. Republican National Committee, upholding states’ authority to count absentee ballots that are postmarked (or otherwise timely cast) by Election Day but received shortly afterward. The ruling clarifies that federal Election Day statutes set the deadline for when voters must cast their ballots—the electorate’s choice but does not impose a nationwide requirement that ballots be received by that exact date. This preserves flexibility for approximately 30 states with “grace periods” while respecting Congress’s intent for a uniform national Election Day.

For New Mexico, this ruling has no immediate effect on current law. Under New Mexico statutes (N.M. Stat. Ann. § 1-6-10), absentee and mail ballots must be received by the county clerk by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted. There is no post-Election Day grace period for receipt, even for ballots postmarked by Election Day. The Supreme Court’s decision affirms the constitutionality of state choices in this area but does not mandate or alter New Mexico’s stricter receipt deadline.

Today, Ramona Goolsby, Republican nominee for New Mexico Secretary of State, releases the following statement:

“As the Republican nominee for New Mexico Secretary of State, I remain committed to election security with practical accessibility. This ruling reinforces that states like ours have broad authority to design systems that ensure every eligible vote is counted accurately and on time, while preventing the uncertainty of prolonged ballot counting. New Mexico’s current framework—combined with same-day registration, early voting, and secure absentee processes—balances access and finality.

Looking ahead, my administration would prioritize:

• Rigorous voter roll maintenance to ensure every eligible voter can participate.
• Clear, consistent deadlines and transparent processes that build public confidence.
• Support for military and overseas voters through reliable channels that comply with federal law (e.g., UOCAVA).
• Data-driven improvements to reduce any barriers without compromising security.

The American people deserve elections where results are known promptly and reflect the will of eligible voters on Election Day. This decision supports state-led solutions tailored to local needs while upholding the rule of law. I will continue promoting election laws that strengthen trust in our democratic process here in New Mexico.”

Ramona L. Goolsby is the Republican Nominee for New Mexico Secretary of State.