Thursday, October 17

We want to be your top resource for all detailed analysis on voting rights and election litigation this election season. This week Marc will be sitting down for a Q&A on YouTube to answer any and all questions our readers may have leading up to the election. You can submit your question for Marc here.

Georgia judge blocks seven State Election Board rules

• In a win for voters, a Georgia judge struck down seven rules recently passed by the State Election Board regarding ballot hand counting, certification, drop boxes, poll watchers and more. The Fulton County judge found that the board did not have the authority to enact these rules.

  
  

• However, it’s not over yet. There are still other lawsuits against the board that need to be litigated. Read here to stay up to date on the statuses of the rules and cases.

  
  

Republican state officials keep pushing noncitizen voting narrative

• The state of Florida sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security yesterday, claiming the federal agency failed to provide the state with data it requested to verify the citizenship status of voters.

  
  

• Indiana officials asked the federal government Thursday to verify the citizenship status of over half a million voters, including voters living abroad.

  
  

• The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) asked a court to halt Virginia's purge program for illegally removing lawful voters from the rolls within 90 days of an election. A judge granted the DOJ's request to stop a similar program in Alabama yesterday for the same reason.

Since Jan. 1, 2023

The latest on GOP voting lawsuits in Pennsylvania

• The Republican National Committee withdrew its lawsuit that accused Montgomery County, Pennsylvania of not properly testing voting machines before sending out ballots this year. The county disputed the GOP's claims and confirmed it tested all equipment in compliance with state law.

  
  

• A hearing will be held tomorrow in a Republican lawsuit alleging that Pennsylvania is sending absentee ballots to overseas voters without verifying their identities. This is one of three lawsuits from the GOP challenging the eligibility of overseas voters to cast ballots this fall. 

  
  

Your polling place attire could prevent you from voting

• A total of 21 states prevent voters from wearing campaign apparel — such as a shirt, button or hat — to the polls. These laws help ensure voters aren't being influenced, harassed or intimidated at the ballot box. Read here to learn what you need to know.

  
  

2024 election will be most litigious in American history

• As of Oct. 16, there have been 177 lawsuits filed across 38 states, surpassing the 157 total lawsuits filed during the 2020 election. In a new YouTube video, Marc explains what you need to know about election litigation and what he’s worried about, along with offering words of advice. 

  
  

Meet Debbie Mucarsal-Powell — who’s running for U.S. Senate in Florida

• Former Florida Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) could become the first Latina immigrant in the U.S. Senate if she defeats Sen. Rick Scott (R). In a new candidate Q&A interview, we spoke with her about the fight to stop voter purges, abortion access, dangers to democracy and more. Read or watch the interview now.