Redistricting
Federal trial opens in DeSantis’ congressional redistricting plan that killed a Black-held seat
Gov. Ron DeSantis knew more than the Florida Supreme Court about the constitutionality of a congressional redistricting plan that eliminated a Black-held seat in North Florida, a top aide to the governor testified Tuesday in federal court in Tallahassee. Alex Kelly — DeSantis’ acting chief of staff, who was waist-deep in redistricting negotiations with the […]
‘If we don’t get the aid, we will lose the war’: Zelenskyy asks Congress to help Ukraine
WASHINGTON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Capitol Hill this week to meet with lawmakers to reiterate the need for continued aid to support his country’s fight against the Russian invasion, even as the U.S. faces a partial government shutdown as soon as the end of the month. “If we don’t get the aid, […]
Gov. DeSantis loses first legal round over destruction of Black congressional district
A state trial judge has cited Florida’s long history of discrimination against Black voters in declaring unconstitutional Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to erase the ability of Black voters in the northern part of the state to elect a congressional candidate of their choice. The outcome could determine whether Democrat Al Lawson, a Black man who […]
Fate of North FL’s Black congressional district in hands of Tallahassee trial judge
Lawyers for the DeSantis administration and Legislature asked a state trial judge Thursday to rule that the federal Voting Rights Act violates the U.S. Constitution to the extent that it allows creation of congressional districts allowing Black voters to win representation in Congress. The outcome could determine whether Democrat Al Lawson, a Black man who […]
Georgia’s gift to Trump is a lump of coal in stocking
When the history books about Donald Trump are written – and believe me, there will be many – Georgia will have earned a place of pride. It’s only a mild exaggeration to say that Georgia has been to Trump what Waterloo was to Napoleon, what Saratoga was to King George and his redcoats, what Gettysburg […]
FL groups: Case at Supreme Court could lead to ‘seismic shift’ in federal elections
As the U.S. Supreme Court case heard oral arguments Wednesday on the validity of the “independent state legislature” theory in Washington, D.C., voting rights groups in Florida warned that could have “grave” ramifications for democracy. At issue is the process known as redistricting, in which state legislatures draw up new district maps based on updated […]
FL House Dems say ‘technical’ rule changes will hurt them, their constituents
Rule changes in the Florida House that Republicans said were just “technical updates” were opposed unanimously by Democrats this week, who claim the changes will hurt them and their constituents. “There were just a number of changes to the bill that we do not believe were as minor as the majority party tried to convey, […]
U.S. Supreme Court case from North Carolina could unleash profound changes to elections nationwide
A U.S. Supreme Court case originating in North Carolina could bring far-reaching changes to elections and the balance of political power in nearly every state. North Carolina Republicans want the nation’s highest court to rule that state courts cannot throw out congressional districts that legislatures draw, arguing that the U.S. Constitution’s Elections Clause makes legislatures […]
Alabama case that could limit Voting Rights Act heard at U.S. Supreme Court
WASHINGTON – U.S. Supreme Court justices on Tuesday heard oral arguments in a case that challenges an Alabama redistricting map and could potentially eliminate remaining federal safeguards against racial gerrymandering. Voting rights advocates fear that the high court’s conservative majority will further weaken the Voting Rights Act, with implications for voters in states across the country. […]
Experts warn of election ‘havoc’ across the U.S. if North Carolina case succeeds
WASHINGTON — Legal experts are warning lawmakers on the U.S. House Administration Committee that if the U.S. Supreme Court upholds a North Carolina case that embraces a fringe election theory, it would undermine future elections across the country. “To be blunt, it would be extraordinary destabilizing,” Carolyn Shapiro, a law professor at the Chicago-Kent College […]
New court ruling appears to favor DeSantis’ plan to abolish Black-access district in North FL
A Florida appellate court ruled Friday that a trial judge abused his authority in ordering state government to retain a Black-access congressional district in North Florida before holding a full trial on whether the state’s Fair District amendment required doing so. The 20-page opinion (docket here) from the First District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee […]
Appeals court won’t send congressional redistricting challenge to FL Supreme Court
A state appellate court has refused to transfer litigation over Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to erase a Black-access congressional District to the Florida Supreme Court, increasing the likelihood the governor’s plan will apply during this year’s primary and general elections. The First District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee said No to the request by voting-rights […]