The countdown to the 2026 midterms has already begun — but for hundreds of thousands of Americans, the fundamental rules of how to return a mail ballot hang in the balance before the U.S. Supreme Court.

One of the biggest challenges facing election administration today is the time required to count ballots and certify results. In states like California, where every registered voter receives a mail ballot and ballots can arrive after Election Day, final outcomes may take weeks to determine.

On May 11, lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders gathered in the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda for a successful mobile voting showcase highlighting the future of secure, accessible elections in Minnesota.

As a soon-to-be first-time voter in Minnesota this fall, I have been eagerly awaiting the first time I can actually cast a vote. Since childhood, I have understood the importance of voting because both my parents are immigrants from Ethiopia. The ability to have your voice heard in decision-making, let alone cast a ballot, was rare.