The prosecutions are a reminder that we need to invest in safeguards for our democracy. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
Donate
Brennan Center for Justice
 
Brent Stirton/Getty
Georgia prosecutors have indicted former President Trump and 18 of his allies for attempting to overturn the 2020 election. The broad conspiracy detailed by investigators included spreading lies, spurring attacks on election officials, breaching voting systems, and inciting an insurrection. But the dangers didn’t end on January 6. Trump’s assault on our democracy birthed an election denial movement that continues to threaten voting rights and future elections. The indictments underscore the need to safeguard our election system and the individuals who run it.
As justices’ hidden financial ties to right-wing billionaires have come to light, the public and lawmakers alike are scrutinizing the disclosure rules that apply to the high court. Our new explainer looks at the history and scope of these laws, significant loopholes in them, and efforts to enhance transparency and judicial accountability.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis removed a reform-minded Orlando-area state attorney from office last week. It is the second time that he has suspended an elected prosecutor for exercising discretion. These undemocratic actions improperly interfere with prosecutors’ independence. They also disregard the public’s desire for a more balanced approach to public safety that prevents crime while reducing excessive incarceration.
A sweeping federal court decision barred the government from communicating with social media companies about false content, finding that doing so violates the First Amendment. Though the ruling is on hold pending appeal, it raises concerns that it could impede advocacy groups’ ability to cooperate with government officials to tackle election-related misinformation. These efforts are crucial to preserving access to the ballot, and the appeals court must recognize that.
Passing the recently reintroduced Freedom to Vote Act is essential for protecting our elections against subversion. The bill would establish baseline national standards for elections, end partisan gerrymandering, and curb big money in politics — eliminating some of the unjust barriers that disempower communities of color most of all.

 
BRENNAN CENTER ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Before renewing a powerful spying authority, Congress needs to add badly needed privacy protections. Learn about it on TikTok >>
 

 
Virtual Events
 
U.S. v. Trump: The Big Lie on Trial
Wednesday, August 23, 3–4 p.m. ET
Something larger than Trump will be on trial in Washington and Georgia — the Big Lie of a “stolen” election. Trump didn’t act alone. A web of pundits, elected officials, and media outlets propelled misinformation and baseless conspiracy theories. They stoked distrust in our electoral system, instigating an insurrection. The indictments will echo through American democracy for generations. Join us to hear Brennan Center experts and MSNBC legal analyst Andrew Weissmann discuss the cases and their implications. RSVP today.
 

 
 
Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law
120 Broadway, Suite 1750 New York, NY 10271
646-292-8310
Want to change how you receive these emails or unsubscribe? Click here to update your preferences.
Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Website