Wednesday, May 14

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New ruling cuts off key tool to protect minority voters

• The 8th Circuit severed a key avenue for private groups and individuals to bring racial discrimination claims under the Voting Rights Act (VRA), further weakening the landmark law’s ability to protect voters across seven states.
  
  
• The court rejected a claim by plaintiffs that a section of the Civil Rights Act allows them to bring cases under Section 2 of the VRA – making it even harder to use the landmark law.
  
  
• The 8th Circuit’s ruling could have far-reaching implications, should the plaintiffs appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Doing so could give SCOTUS the chance to end the private right of action under the VRA nationwide.

What could go wrong? Texas may allow guns at the polls

• The Texas Senate could vote on a bill, passed by the House Tuesday, to allow the concealed carry of guns at the polls starting as soon as this year. A Republican state lawmaker said the legislation is “necessary” to combat “escalating threats of intimidation” at the polls.

The latest on Maine’s voter ID ballot initiative

• Voters sued Maine’s Secretary of State over the question she approved for a 2025 ballot initiative that pushed for stricter voter ID laws and restricted absentee voting. The voters, who support the initiative, argue the wording is misleading.

Wisconsin voters challenge gerrymandered congressional map

• Voters in Wisconsin filed a petition in the state’s Supreme Court asking for new congressional districts. The lawsuit alleges that the map is gerrymandered to unfairly benefit Republicans, violating the state constitution. Marc and Paige Moskowitz explain.