Here are some major redistricting updates from the 5th Circuit.

• In a concerning move, a three-judge panel on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that Galveston County, Texas violated the Voting Rights Act (VRA) when it redrew commissioner districts, while simultaneously calling for the entire 5th Circuit to rehear the case. 

  • Read more about the court’s intent to overturn its own precedent here.

• Today, the 5th Circuit also vacated a 2022 decision that blocked Louisiana’s congressional map, but created a timeline for a new, fair map to be implemented before the 2024 elections.

  • Gov.-elect Jeff Landry (R) stated he would call for a special legislative session to focus on the state’s maps. Landry is set to be inaugurated on Jan. 8, 2024. 

Here are some other updates.

• Wisconsin lawmakers sent several election bills to Gov. Tony Evers (D), including a bill that would allow officials to begin processing returned absentee ballots on the Monday before Election Day in order to have election results more quickly.

  • The state Assembly also passed two constitutional amendments — rooted in post-2020 election conspiracies — that will be put before voters next year for ratification.

• Following a full trial, a Texas judge rejected a lawsuit from a Republican candidate seeking to overturn her loss in the Nov. 2022 election for Harris County's 189th Judicial District Court.

A new episode of Defending Democracy dropped today! From the new House speaker to the 14th amendment, Marc and Paige answer your most pressing questions about democracy. Listen to see if your question was answered! Listen on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, or enjoy it in newly available video form on YouTube!