The Supreme Court issued two major decisions last month in highly-anticipated democracy cases. In a landmark win, the Court’s decision in Allen v. Milligan upheld the voting rights of Black Alabamians. This ruling reaffirmed the validity of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA) as a key protection for the freedom to vote in fair congressional districts. In doing so, the Supreme Court preserved a vital tool designed to make democracy more equitable and accessible for voters from historically disenfranchised communities.
 
In the case of Moore v. Harper, the Supreme Court rejected a dangerous legal concept known as the “Independent State Legislature (ISL)” theory and reinforced the role of state courts in ensuring voters have an equal voice in our democracy. The theory would have given state politicians nearly unchecked power to manipulate voting maps and pass state laws undermining the freedom to vote. Fortunately, the Court affirmed the role that checks and balances play in federal elections, but the fight for fair maps in North Carolina and across the country is far from over. When districts are drawn fairly, voters have an equal voice in our democracy and can elect leaders who will best serve their community. Watch CLC’s virtual event “10 Years Since Shelby County: How Democracy Advocates Can Fight Back" to learn about the impact of these rulings. 

The 2024 election is underway, and so-called “soft money” – funds raised in circumstances where federal campaign finance laws don’t apply – is already playing a major role in the race for the White House. With candidates increasingly looking for ways to inject massive amounts of soft money into their campaigns, CLC will host a group of experts tomorrow at 1 P.M. Eastern for a virtual event to examine why and how this is happening and what can be done to address it.

Register here.