Wendy Underhill

Redistricting typically happens at the start of each decade. But in the last year, there has been an unprecedented flood of mid-decade redistricting, with 10 states adopting new congressional maps. This kind of mid-cycle redrawing is not entirely new; court orders have long required states to revise maps between decennial rounds. What is new is the recent wave of voluntary mid-decade redistricting. Each new map is a policy choice made by state legislators (or voters, in ballot referendums).

In March, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Watson v. Republican National Committee, a case that could reshape how states handle the small share of mail ballots that arrive after Election Day. 1 Under Mississippi law, ballots postmarked by Election Day are counted as long as they arrive within five days. 2 The case asks: Is that five-day grace period constitutional? Mississippi is one of 15 states (including D.C.) that allows such a grace period.

Co-hosts John Fortier and Don Palmer are joined by Wendy Underhill, Director of Elections and Redistricting at the National Conference of State Legislatures.