Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 23, 2025 at 3:02 PM

MAGA’s foundational myth

MAGA’s foundational myth All movements rely on a certain amount of shared mythology. These foundational stories bind participants together and help them make sense of a complex world. At their best, they emphasize truths of universal appeal. At their most dangerous, they perpetuate lies …

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 22, 2025 at 11:01 PM

Trump’s DOJ filed half of all anti-voting lawsuits this election cycle

Trump’s DOJ filed half of all anti-voting lawsuits this election cycle In 1957, the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division was created to "zealously safeguard” the right to vote. In 2025, it was responsible for bringing over half of the anti-voting lawsuits this election cycle. Monday,…

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 22, 2025 at 4:20 PM

“60 Minutes” obeyed in advance

“60 Minutes” obeyed in advance The “60 Minutes” we have known is dead. The fearless program that many of us grew up with was strangled by corporate titans seeking favor with the Trump White House. I don’t know what is next for the storied franchise, but it will never be the same. …

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 21, 2025 at 4:02 PM

Once again, I’m furious. 

Once again, I’m furious. I’m angry. Actually, that doesn’t properly capture how I’m feeling. I’m furious. When you or I receive a subpoena, we must comply with it. If we violate federal law, we face stiff penalties. Yet when it comes to Donald Trump and his administration, the corporate…

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 20, 2025 at 5:03 PM

The American President

The American President In “The American President,” Andrew Shepherd makes an impassioned speech to the nation: “I've been here three years and three days, and I can tell you without hesitation: Being president of this country is entirely about character.” View in browser…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 19, 2025 at 11:02 PM

DOJ chickens out on Epstein files release in violation of new law

DOJ chickens out on Epstein files release in violation of new law The DOJ missed a deadline to publicly release all of its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, violating a new federal law explicitly requiring the documents to be turned over for the public. Friday,…

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM

Trump’s weakness is not a sign of safety

Trump’s weakness is not a sign of safety Donald Trump is extremely unpopular. According to The Economist’s latest polling, Trump has a net approval rating of negative 13%. Only 42% of Americans approve of the job he is doing, while 54% disapprove. When it comes to inflation and the econo…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 19, 2025 at 12:02 PM

The GOP isn’t backing down on redistricting

The GOP isn’t backing down on redistricting Republicans are doubling down on Utah redistricting and refusing to honor a voter-approved constitutional amendment banning partisan gerrymandering. But voting advocates aren’t backing down, either. Friday, December 19 Vi…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 18, 2025 at 11:02 PM

DOJ files four more lawsuits over voter rolls 

DOJ files four more lawsuits over voter rolls The DOJ sued Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C., demanding unfettered access to their voter rolls, which include sensitive personal data like social security numbers and birthdates. Thursday, December 18 …

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM

About last night

About last night When President Barack Obama wanted to inform the American people of his immigration reform plan during a prime-time address in 2014, the major networks refused to air it. Apparently, shows like “The Biggest Loser” brought in too many advertising dollars to allow us to he…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 17, 2025 at 11:02 PM

Jack Smith: ‘Proof beyond a reasonable doubt’ Trump schemed to overturn 2020 election

Jack Smith: ‘Proof beyond a reasonable doubt’ Trump schemed to overturn 2020 election Former special counsel Jack Smith forcefully pushed back on Republican lawmakers’ attempts to discredit his prosecution of President Donald Trump over his 2020 election subversion efforts. W…

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 17, 2025 at 8:33 PM

Between norms and lawlessness

Between norms and lawlessness Carved into the Department of Justice’s limestone facade is the phrase, “Where law ends, tyranny begins.” As a young lawyer, I recall the first time I saw the inscription — a slight derivation of John Locke’s famous quotation from “Second Treatise of Governm…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 17, 2025 at 12:03 PM

DOJ replaces voting section chief with lawyer tied to election conspiracists

DOJ replaces voting section chief with lawyer tied to election conspiracists Eric Neff, a Republican lawyer with a web of ties to election-conspiracy theorists detailed by Democracy Docket, is the new acting chief of the voting section at the U.S. Department of Justice. Wedne…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 16, 2025 at 11:03 PM

Trump’s top aide admits ‘score settling’ driving DOJ’s political prosecutions 

Trump’s top aide admits ‘score settling’ driving DOJ’s political prosecutions White House chief of staff Susie Wiles acknowledged “score settling” lies behind many of the DOJ’s criminal prosecutions against Trump’s political enemies, and admitted some cases may look retaliatory.  …

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 16, 2025 at 6:45 PM

Susie Wiles on Trump’s revenge tour: “Who would blame him?”

Susie Wiles on Trump’s revenge tour: “Who would blame him?” Last March, Donald Trump took the stage at the Department of Justice and called me a “radical” who was trying “to turn America into a corrupt, communist, Third World country.” A week later, he issued a presidential memorandum th…

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 16, 2025 at 12:32 AM

I'm going live tomorrow evening — join me for our final event of the year

Join me live tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. ET for an exclusive live Q&A sponsored by Swing Left This is your chance to ask me questions directly and get an inside look at what's shaping the fight for democracy and voting rights in 2026. Secure your spot today so you don't miss out on this ex…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 15, 2025 at 11:03 PM

Utah GOP lawmakers won’t give up on their gerrymander plan

Utah GOP lawmakers won’t give up on their gerrymander plan Last week, Utah GOP lawmakers voted to reject a court-ordered congressional map. While the move was largely ceremonial, it signals their intent to ask the state Supreme Court — and potentially SCOTUS — to uphold their recently re…

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 15, 2025 at 9:12 PM

The Second Amendment argument that made me rethink voting rights

The Second Amendment argument that made me rethink voting rights In preparing for my most recent Supreme Court argument, I realized that I have something in common with the Court’s most conservative members. Like them, I do not believe there should be “second-class” constitutional rights…

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 13, 2025 at 5:04 PM

We’re winning elections but still fighting for democracy

We’re winning elections but still fighting for democracy It’s been a bad month for Republicans at the ballot box. In early November, the country made its feelings loud and clear, ushering in Democratic victories in Virginia, New Jersey and California.  View in browser …

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 12, 2025 at 11:02 PM

In major escalation, Trump DOJ sues Fulton County, Georgia for 2020 ballots

In major escalation, Trump DOJ sues Fulton County, Georgia for 2020 ballots The Department of Justice demanded Fulton County officials hand over 2020 presidential election ballots and records — an attempt to advance Trump's debunked stolen election claims.  Friday, December 1…

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 12, 2025 at 5:45 PM

I’m back but still catching up

I’m back but still catching up I have often wondered what it would be like to tune out Donald Trump’s noise and daily attacks on democracy. I am regularly reminded that millions of Americans — most Americans — do not follow the twists and turns of Trump’s attacks on the rule of law.  …

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 12, 2025 at 12:02 PM

Indiana rejects Trump’s gerrymander, Missouri may just silence voters

Indiana rejects Trump’s gerrymander, Missouri may just silence voters The Indiana Senate just defied Trump and voted against gerrymandering. But the fight continues in Missouri.  Friday, December 12 View in browser …

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 11, 2025 at 11:03 PM

 In blow to Trump, Indiana rejects GOP gerrymander

In blow to Trump, Indiana rejects GOP gerrymander In a powerful reproach to Trump, the Indiana Senate voted against a mid-decade redistricting that would have gerrymandered the state’s congressional maps.  Thursday, December 11 View in browser …

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 11, 2025 at 6:18 PM

The billionaire surrender comes for CNN

The billionaire surrender comes for CNN Billionaires once purchased legacy media outlets to gain influence and prestige. Now they promise to destroy media companies as a form of tribute to a corrupt administration. View in browser …

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 11, 2025 at 12:35 AM

You’re invited: Join Marc Elias for a live Q&A on the state of democracy

You’re invited: Join Marc Elias for a live Q&A on the state of democracy A conversation you don’t want to miss! Marc Elias hosts an intimate Q&A addressing the biggest legal battles facing democracy as we head into 2026. Join Marc and other members for an exclusive live conversat…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 10, 2025 at 11:03 PM

Pioneer of election denial tapped to head FEMA

Pioneer of election denial tapped to head FEMA Gregg Phillips — the activist behind one of the earliest and most consequential election fraud hoaxes of the last decade — is set to lead FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery. Wednesday, December 10 View in browser …

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 10, 2025 at 5:03 PM

The greatest threat to democracy

The greatest threat to democracy For the last several weeks, I have been preparing for oral argument before the U.S. Supreme Court in a critical campaign finance case. Yesterday morning, I finally had the opportunity to stand before the nine justices and argue why the Republican Party’s …

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 10, 2025 at 12:02 PM

New DOJ voting lawyer worked with far-right election conspiracy theorists

New DOJ voting lawyer worked with far-right election conspiracy theorists A lawyer recently assigned to the Department of Justice’s voting section has twice teamed up with prominent election-conspiracy theorists — including bringing bogus charges that ultimately cost taxpayers millions, …

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 9, 2025 at 11:03 PM

300,000 Missouri voters sign petition to put GOP gerrymander to statewide vote

300,000 Missouri voters sign petition to put GOP gerrymander to statewide vote The Missouri Constitution gives voters the right to hold a so-called citizen’s veto referendum to block legislation passed by state lawmakers. Voters decided to use that mechanism to fight back against Trump’s…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 8, 2025 at 11:03 PM

SCOTUS poised to turbocharge Trump’s bid for total control of government

SCOTUS poised to turbocharge Trump’s bid for total control of government The Supreme Court’s Republican-appointed majority appears poised to approve Trump’s pursuit of total control of the government, potentially destroying a key limit on his power over independent agencies Congress inte…

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 7, 2025 at 5:02 PM

My conversation with Joyce Vance

My conversation with Joyce Vance My good friend Joyce Vance has become a regular on my podcast. Recently, she sat down with me again to talk about her experience as a U.S. attorney, the lessons learned from November’s elections, and the great advice she gives to her law students. It’s al…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 5, 2025 at 11:02 PM

SCOTUS ruling on Texas gerrymander could be good news for California

SCOTUS ruling on Texas gerrymander could be good news for California While the Supreme Court’s decision to let Texas use its mid-decade gerrymander for next year’s midterms comes as a devastating blow for minority voters in Texas, it could also make it harder for the GOP and the DOJ to b…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 5, 2025 at 12:03 PM

SCOTUS sides with Trump’s redistricting scheme in Texas

SCOTUS sides with Trump’s redistricting scheme in Texas The Supreme Court delivered an enormous win in Texas for Trump’s plan to rig the 2026 election through redistricting – even after a lower court found the Texas map was likely an illegal racial gerrymander.  Friday, Decem…

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 4, 2025 at 11:54 PM

Breaking: SCOTUS allows Texas gerrymandered map for 2026 midterms

Breaking: SCOTUS allows Texas gerrymandered map for 2026 midterms Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has granted Texas’ request to stay a lower court ruling blocking it from using a heavily gerrymandered congressional map the state legislature passed at the behest of President Donald Tru…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 4, 2025 at 11:02 PM

To protect gerrymanders, GOP lawmakers target judges – and voters

To protect gerrymanders, GOP lawmakers target judges – and voters Republican legislators around the country have identified the biggest obstacles to their unprecedented mid-decade redistricting: the courts and the voters. So they’re responding by launching an all-out war on both. …

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 4, 2025 at 5:38 PM

Pressing pause to prepare for the Supreme Court

Pressing pause to prepare for the Supreme Court I never thought I would write about democracy as frequently as I do. I hate to admit it, but I first became addicted to Twitter because, at a time when long-form blogging was popular, it was described as a microblog. While I had always been…

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  Democracy Docket · [email protected]

December 3, 2025 at 11:02 PM

Colorado tells DOJ ‘take a hike’ as it rejects demand for statewide voter data

Colorado tells DOJ ‘take a hike’ as it rejects demand for statewide voter data Colorado told the Department of Justice to “take a hike,” becoming the latest state to reject the DOJ’s request for private voter data. Democracy Docket exclusively obtained an email from the DOJ revealing its…

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  Marc Elias · [email protected]

December 3, 2025 at 5:03 PM

The quiet days are the most dangerous ones

The quiet days are the most dangerous ones The last few days have seemed quiet in the battle for democracy. Yes, Alina Habba, Trump’s former personal attorney, suffered another humiliation in court — this time at the hands of the Third Circuit. On Monday, it issued a ruling that determin…

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