Daily Docket — Friday, April 28

Here are some updates from today.

• The GOP-controlled North Carolina Supreme Court dropped three major voting rights decisions today, all harmful outcomes for voters and democracy. The court’s new Republican majority reversed two decisions it made just last year. In doing so, the court permitted extreme partisan gerrymanders and reinstated a restrictive photo ID law. The court also upheld the state’s felony disenfranchisement law.

• The Florida Legislature passed a restrictive elections bill that would make numerous, disparate changes to Florida election law. The bill would also change Florida’s resign-to-run law to facilitate Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) expected run for president. The bill now goes to DeSantis’ desk for his signature.

• Also in the Sunshine State, the Florida House passed a resolution that would make it harder for Floridians to amend the state constitution. The resolution will be up for consideration in the state Senate next.

• Finally, the Texas House passed a bill that would increase the penalty for illegal voting to a felony. The Texas Senate already passed a similar bill; the two chambers will have to agree on one version to send to Gov. Greg Abbott (R).

Here's what to expect coming up.

• On Monday, Democracy Docket contributor Rakim Brooks will tackle the unfolding U.S. Supreme Court ethics controversy involving Justice Clarence Thomas.

• Monday is also another order day for the Supreme Court. At 9:30 a.m. ET, we might find out what the Court decides to do in various pending cases.

• The North Carolina decisions today have massive implications for voting and democracy — not just in the Tar Heel State but nationwide too. We’ll have more to say about these opinions next week.

A new episode of Defending Democracy dropped today! Marc and Paige discuss the latest Republican attacks on the young Americans and why they would rather suppress their vote than earn it. Listen now.

Can’t get enough news? You can always find more details about these updates on our News page.

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