Welcome to the March edition of The Lever, featuring expert insights and analysis from Voting Rights Lab. In this issue, we’ll examine the ramifications of recent DOGE-directed election security funding cuts, visit recent developments in Judge Jefferson Griffin’s ongoing campaign to overturn North Carolina’s State Supreme Court election, and highlight Utah’s abrupt about-face on universal mail voting.

FEDERAL CUTS TO ELECTION SECURITY PROGRAMS WILL MAKE OUR ELECTIONS LESS SECURE

Under the guise of “government efficiency,” the Trump administration recently cut $10 million in critical federal funding for state-level election security. In our latest analysis, we give a brief history of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, investigate the damaging impact of these cuts, and offer predictions for how state and federal governments will adapt without federal support.

BY THE NUMBERS

226

That’s how many state government officials, legal experts, and practicing attorneys in North Carolina urged Judge Jefferson Griffin to drop his lawsuit in a joint coalition letter released last week. Griffin is demanding that the Wake County Superior Court discard over 65,000 ballots to overturn the results of the 2024 state Supreme Court election, despite multiple recounts confirming his loss.

The letter’s signatories – representing the full political spectrum – collectively expressed concerns that Griffin’s efforts could threaten public confidence in the judicial system. 

The North Carolina Court of Appeals heard arguments in Griffin’s case late last week. It remains the last undecided race of the 2024 general election.

WHAT WE'RE READING

THE MARKUP

The Markup is Voting Rights Lab’s weekly law and policy update, powered by our State Voting Rights Tracker. If you’d like to get these insights straight to your inbox, head here to sign up. Here’s a preview of what we’re watching this week:

• Federal judge strikes down ID requirements for mail ballot applications in Texas. A federal judge in the Western District of Texas held that provisions in 2021's S.B. 1, which required mail ballot applicants to provide an ID number, have a discriminatory impact on voters with disabilities. The decision also struck down provisions requiring individuals assisting voters to take an oath under penalty of perjury. The state is expected to appeal the ruling. 

• Wyoming enacts documentary proof of citizenship mandate. Wyoming became the first state to enact a documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) bill into law this year when H.B. 156 became law without the governor's signature. The new law mandates that all voter registration applicants present proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or certain driver's licenses. At least 19 additional states have similar bills pending.