Sean Morales-Doyle
@seanmorales-doyle.bsky.social
Director, Voting Rights Program, Brennan Center for Justice
Reposted by Sean Morales-Doyle
The appellate court said voters cannot sue to challenge discriminatory maps under the Voting Rights Act. The brief explains that's wrong, showing that courts, Congress, the Dep't of Justice, private attorneys, and others have long understood that Section 2 allows voters to do just that. 2/2
October 6, 2025 at 10:09 PM
The appellate court said voters cannot sue to challenge discriminatory maps under the Voting Rights Act. The brief explains that's wrong, showing that courts, Congress, the Dep't of Justice, private attorneys, and others have long understood that Section 2 allows voters to do just that. 2/2
It is also yet another sign that Trump's administration is following the Project 2025 playbook, despite Trump's attempts to distance himself from it. That would be bad for our elections, at a time when the administration is already engaged in a concerted effort to undermine them.
The Trump Administration’s Campaign to Undermine the Next Election
The executive branch is interfering in U.S. elections in unprecedented ways.
www.brennancenter.org
August 14, 2025 at 2:10 PM
It is also yet another sign that Trump's administration is following the Project 2025 playbook, despite Trump's attempts to distance himself from it. That would be bad for our elections, at a time when the administration is already engaged in a concerted effort to undermine them.
Taken together, it seems these investigations may seek retribution against political adversaries, which Trump and his allies have threatened repeatedly. That would be a serious abuse of power & a plainly inappropriate use of a law designed to protect rights of newly freed Black folks in the 1800s.
August 14, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Taken together, it seems these investigations may seek retribution against political adversaries, which Trump and his allies have threatened repeatedly. That would be a serious abuse of power & a plainly inappropriate use of a law designed to protect rights of newly freed Black folks in the 1800s.
The details of the investigation are not yet public, but at around the same time the subpoenas were issued to James's office, AG Pam Bondi called on election denier Ed Martin to launch a separate investigation into James personally. He is also reportedly investigating Sen. Adam Schiff.
August 14, 2025 at 2:10 PM
The details of the investigation are not yet public, but at around the same time the subpoenas were issued to James's office, AG Pam Bondi called on election denier Ed Martin to launch a separate investigation into James personally. He is also reportedly investigating Sen. Adam Schiff.
As my colleague @lmillerkaralunas.bsky.social and I explained, Project 2025 proposed using that law to prosecute election officials that helped voters cast ballots 2020. This is obviously a little different because James is not an election official. But she is a top political rival of Trump's.
What’s Next for Elections Under the Project 2025 Agenda
The administration is using executive actions and public threats to chill future efforts to safeguard elections.
www.brennancenter.org
August 14, 2025 at 2:10 PM
As my colleague @lmillerkaralunas.bsky.social and I explained, Project 2025 proposed using that law to prosecute election officials that helped voters cast ballots 2020. This is obviously a little different because James is not an election official. But she is a top political rival of Trump's.
The case in question was brought by @nativerights.bsky.social & @campaignlegal.org, who proved in the trial court that ND's redistricting map discriminated against Native voters.
July 24, 2025 at 10:09 PM
The case in question was brought by @nativerights.bsky.social & @campaignlegal.org, who proved in the trial court that ND's redistricting map discriminated against Native voters.
To underscore how wild the theory it is, the 8th Circuit ruling is based on the idea that Congress didn’t really intend to protect any rights when it passed the Voting RIGHTS Act. 🤯
July 24, 2025 at 9:56 PM
To underscore how wild the theory it is, the 8th Circuit ruling is based on the idea that Congress didn’t really intend to protect any rights when it passed the Voting RIGHTS Act. 🤯
The stay from SCOTUS means they might take the case up (hopefully to reverse the 8th 🤞). Gorsuch, Alito, and Thomas said they would have denied the stay. No big surprise since Gorsuch and Thomas basically invited this fringe theory in their concurrence in a case called Brnovich v DNC.
The Voting Rights Act Persists, but So Do Its Adversaries
One of the law’s few remaining safeguards is under attack by rogue states, lower federal courts, and a plurality of the Supreme Court.
www.brennancenter.org
July 24, 2025 at 9:56 PM
The stay from SCOTUS means they might take the case up (hopefully to reverse the 8th 🤞). Gorsuch, Alito, and Thomas said they would have denied the stay. No big surprise since Gorsuch and Thomas basically invited this fringe theory in their concurrence in a case called Brnovich v DNC.
The 8th Circuit had embraced a radical theory that essentially meant voters couldn't sue under the VRA to challenge race discrimination in voting. Historically, Section 2 cases have mostly been brought by private plaintiffs, and DOJ enforcement seems particularly unlikely during the current admin.
The Importance of Letting Voters Defend Their Rights in Court
Courts have recognized a "private right of action" in the Voting Rights Act since the law’s inception.
www.brennancenter.org
July 24, 2025 at 9:56 PM
The 8th Circuit had embraced a radical theory that essentially meant voters couldn't sue under the VRA to challenge race discrimination in voting. Historically, Section 2 cases have mostly been brought by private plaintiffs, and DOJ enforcement seems particularly unlikely during the current admin.