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The Republican National Committee (RNC) has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to clarify mail-in voting nationwide, requesting that ballots arriving after Election Day not be countedThe filing challenges Mississippi’s law allowing ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if received within five business days. A lower court upheld the law, but a conservative appeals court struck it down, and Mississippi appealed.The RNC emphasizes the importance of a uniform federal election standard, noting that Election Day statutes “govern when States must close the ballot box, not when voters must make their selection,” and that an election is “the State’s public process of selecting officers,” which remains ongoing until all ballots are in the state’s custody. The brief cites historical Supreme Court precedent and Congress’s long-standing establishment of a federal election day.The filing frames extended ballot receipt deadlines as a modern variation, writing, “Most Americans remember a time when results came quickly after election day…One of those experiments is the prolonged receipt of mail ballots — three, five, fourteen, or even more days after election day.” It notes such deadlines can invite “the chaos and suspicions of impropriety that can ensue if thousands of absentee ballots flow in after election day and potentially flip the results of an election.”Oral arguments are scheduled for March, with the Court’s decision likely to set a precedent affecting how mail-in ballots are handled nationwide. PrimaryA valid U.S. passport.A form of photo ID issued consistent with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that explicitly indicates the applicant is a U.S. citizen (though in practice, most REAL IDs do not show citizenship and are available to noncitizens). A valid government-issued photo ID card from a federal, state, or Tribal government that shows the applicant’s place of birth was in the United States.An official U.S. military ID card, combined with a U.S. military record of service showing the applicant’s place of birth was in the United States.An American Indian Card issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with the classification code “KIC” (specific to certain Kickapoo Tribe members).Secondary Forms (Require Photo ID Pairing)These must be paired with a valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., a driver’s license or other federal/state/Tribal ID that does not already qualify under the primary forms above):A certified birth certificate issued by a state, local government unit, or Tribal government, including the applicant’s full name, date of birth, place of birth (must be in the U.S.), issue date (within 1 year of birth), registration date, registrar’s signature, and an official seal. An extract from a U.S. hospital Record of Birth created at the time of the applicant’s birth, indicating the place of birth was in the United States. A final adoption decree showing the applicant’s name and that their place of birth was in the United States.A Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen or a certification of the applicant’s Report of Birth issued by the U.S. Department of State.A Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security (or any other federal document proving U.S. citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act).The bill also allows states to create alternative processes for applicants unable to provide the above, such as an attestation under penalty of perjury plus other evidence of citizenship, subject to election officials’ approval.If a married woman’s current identification Potential Impacts and RequirementsRegistration Hurdles: The birth certificate must include the applicant’s “full name” to qualify as proof. A mismatch means it alone won’t suffice, potentially requiring her to provide supplementary documents like a marriage certificate, court-ordered name change decree, or other evidence linking the maiden name to the current name. States would need to establish alternative processes for such cases, which could involve an attestation under penalty of perjury plus supporting evidence, subject to election officials’ review.  This might delay registration or require in-person visits to election offices, as mail or online options could be limited without in-person document presentation. To mitigate, affected individuals should:Update key documents like passports to match current names.Gather marriage certificates or court orders in advance.Contact local election offices for state-specific guidance, as implementations could vary.Monitor the bill’s status on Congress.gov, as amendments might address these concerns.Under this process:Applicants can submit additional documentation to the appropriate election official to clarify the discrepancy and establish U.S. citizenship.Acceptable additional evidence might include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court-ordered name change document, or other official records linking the names (though the bill does not list specifics, leaving it to state implementation).The official reviews the evidence and makes a determination on citizenship eligibility for registration. PassportForm: Completed Form DS-5504 (Application for a U.S. Passport Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement).Existing Passport: Your most recent U.S. passport book and/or card.Proof of Name Change: Original or certified marriage certificate.Photo: One recent color passport photo (2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, on a white background; no glasses or uniforms).Fees: No application fee (unless you want expedited service for $60 extra, plus optional overnight delivery). Drivers licenseForm: Completed SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card), available on ssa.gov.Proof of Name Change: Original or certified copy of your marriage certificate (must show both old and new names; not a photocopy or religious certificate). Proof of Identity: Current driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. passport in your old name.Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Immigration Status: If not already on file with SSA, bring your U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate.Get a gov id or a license Bring originals (not photocopies) to your DMV appointment. For U.S. citizens:Proof of Identity and Age: U.S. birth certificate (with raised seal), valid U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization.Proof of Social Security Number: Social Security card, W-2 form, or pay stub showing your SSN.Proof of Residency: Two documents like utility bills, bank statements, lease agreements, or mortgage statements with your current address. Additional for REAL ID: Enhanced proofs as above, plus any name change documents (e.g., marriage certificate) if applicable.For non-U.S. citizens (e.g., students or immigrants):Valid passport, visa, I-94 form, and immigration documents like Form I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1).Some states require at least 6–12 months remaining on your status documents.