Here are some recent updates.

• The U.S. Supreme Court issued a nonbinding code of ethics earlier today following months of financial scandals tied to Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas.  

• The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals extended the pause of an order requiring Galveston County, Texas to draw new commissioner districts that comply with the Voting Rights Act (VRA) while the entire 5th Circuit decides whether or not to rehear the case. Galveston will not need to implement new, fair districts for the time being.

• Louisiana Republicans notified a federal court that they are challenging the constitutionality of Section 2 of the VRA — which prohibits racially discriminatory voting laws and maps — in a lawsuit against the state's legislative districts.

• The Michigan Legislature passed a bill to impose criminal penalties on individuals who intimidate election workers or obstruct election officials from doing their jobs. The legislation now heads to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) for her likely signature.

• As of Nov. 3, Republican litigants in two federal redistricting lawsuits challenging Washington State’s legislative districts have appealed to the Supreme Court. One lawsuit brings claims under Section 2 of the VRA Act while the other alleges racial gerrymandering claims under the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

• A lawsuit challenging the use of certain electronic voting machines in Georgia will head to trial on Jan. 9, 2024.

• A federal court in Nevada held a hearing in a lawsuit challenging former President Donald Trump’s eligibility to be on the state’s ballot for the 2024 presidential election. Plaintiffs argue that his involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection bars him from running due to the 14th Amendment.

  • Read more about how the 14th Amendment could threaten Trump here.

Here’s what’s coming up in the courts tomorrow.

• A hearing will be held in a federal lawsuit challenging a North Carolina law that imposes criminal penalties on residents who unknowingly vote while on parole, probation or post-release supervision for a felony conviction. 

• There will be a hearing in a federal lawsuit seeking to remove Trump from Arizona’s 2024 presidential ballot due to his involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection. 

ICYMI, listen to the latest episode of Defending Democracy that dropped last Friday. 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!