June 30, 2026 3:50 a.m. 

Governor Tina Kotek released a statement on Monday in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision protecting ballots postmarked on election day.

Governor Kotek said, “We applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to continue allowing mail-in ballots postmarked on election day to be counted after an election, pursuant to state law. This is essential for Oregonians across the state to be able to participate in our democracy in a way that is accessible and convenient. President Trump has been denied this attempt to try to silence voters”.

Governor Kotek said, “Oregon has a long history of conducting elections safely and securing in an election system that allows every voter the right to a free, fair, and equal say in our democracy. We will continue to defend that right”.

In a 5-4 decision, justices found that nothing in federal law blocks states from counting ballots that are postmarked on or before an election but received afterward.

Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote the opinion, joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Elana Kagan, Ketanji Brown Jackson and Sonia Sotomayor. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Borsuch and Brett Kavanaugh dissented.

The high court decision was also cheered by Secretary of State Tobias Read and Attorney General Dan Rayfield.