The Republican National Committee is seeking to limit voting by mail in the case before the Supreme Court on Monday. But it was Republicans, not Democrats, who more often benefited from mail voting programs before the 2020 election.
Indeed, the relief the R.N.C. is seeking could have cost former President George W. Bush the 2000 election to former Vice President Al Gore.
After a contentious recount in Florida that year, the Bush campaign held a 739-vote advantage in overseas absentee ballots received after Election Day, according to court records.
Mr. Bush’s margin of victory in Florida was 537 votes.
In that court battle, the parties took different sides. Presuming that Mr. Bush would prevail with overseas voters, the Gore strategy fought for the strictest readings of state law, while the Bush campaign looked for leniency for overseas military members.
Kirsten Noyes contributed research.
Nick Corasaniti is a Times reporter covering national politics, with a focus on voting and elections.
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