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DOJ Justifies Nationwide Voter Data Collection Amid State Resistance

DOJ Justifies Nationwide Voter Data Collection Amid State Resistance

The Department of Justice (DOJ) under the Trump administration has released a legal opinion supporting its efforts to collect voter data nationwide. This initiative is framed as a federal oversight measure to ensure voter eligibility, citing the 1960 Civil Rights Act as a legal basis. The DOJ argues that this act allows the Attorney General to demand voter records to investigate potential civil rights violations. The memo also references other federal election laws, such as the Help America Vote Act and the Voting Rights Act, to justify the federal role in maintaining accurate voter rolls. However, multiple federal courts have rejected this rationale, and several states have resisted the federal government's demands, citing a lack of evidence for widespread voter fraud. State officials, including Vermont's Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, have criticized the DOJ's memo, dismissing it as ineffective and legally unfounded.

Election denial is a fault line in Republican primary for Georgia secretary of state

Election denial is a fault line in Republican primary for Georgia secretary of state

The 2020 election continues to haunt Georgia's political landscape, especially in the Republican primary for secretary of state

Lawyers urge judge to block Trump order that would create eligible voter list, limit mail ballots

Lawyers urge judge to block Trump order that would create eligible voter list, limit mail ballots

Voting rights groups are arguing that a federal judge should stop President Donald Trump's executive order restricting mail voting because he doesn’t have the authority to do so

South Carolina Governor Calls Special Session to Redraw Congressional Map, Targeting Majority-Black District

South Carolina Governor Calls Special Session to Redraw Congressional Map, Targeting Majority-Black District

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has called a special legislative session to redraw the state's congressional map, aiming to eliminate its only majority-Black district. This decision follows a failed attempt by the state Senate to reconvene for redistricting, which required a two-thirds majority vote. The move comes amid absentee voting for the state's June 9 primary election, with over 9,000 ballots already distributed. The proposed redistricting plan, reportedly influenced by President Trump's administration, has faced criticism for its rushed timeline and potential to create voter confusion. Local officials, including Charleston Mayor William Cogswell and Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie, have urged a more deliberate approach, emphasizing the need for a principled process.

President Trump's Executive Order on Voter List Faces Legal Challenge Over Authority Concerns

President Trump's Executive Order on Voter List Faces Legal Challenge Over Authority Concerns

President Trump has issued an executive order aimed at restricting mail-in voting by requiring federal agencies to compile a list of confirmed U.S. citizens and share it with states before federal elections. This order has sparked legal challenges from Democrats and civil rights groups, who argue that the President has overstepped his authority. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols is currently hearing the case but has not yet made a ruling. The plaintiffs contend that the order is unconstitutional, as it infringes on the powers of states and Congress to regulate elections. They also argue that the order could create confusion and chaos for local election officials, potentially limiting voter registration and ballot access.

FBI Visits Milwaukee Election Official Amid Trump’s 2020 Election Probes

FBI Visits Milwaukee Election Official Amid Trump’s 2020 Election Probes

An FBI agent visited the home of Milwaukee County's elections director to question her about absentee ballots from the 2020 election. This visit is part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to probe the 2020 presidential election results in Wisconsin, a state targeted by Trump in his attempts to overturn the election outcome. Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson criticized the FBI's approach, emphasizing the integrity of the election process and the professionalism of election officials. The visit follows previous actions by the FBI in other states, such as Georgia and Arizona, as part of Trump's broader efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.

Judge to weigh Democrats' bid to block Trump's executive order on voting

Judge to weigh Democrats' bid to block Trump's executive order on voting

By Jan Wolfe WASHINGTON, May 14 (Reuters) - U.S.

Tennessee Redistricting Sparks Debate Over Representation and Voter Impact

Tennessee Redistricting Sparks Debate Over Representation and Voter Impact

Tennessee's recent redistricting, following a Supreme Court decision that weakened the Voting Rights Act, has divided Memphis into three congressional districts likely to be Republican-held. This move is part of a broader effort by Southern states to redraw maps favoring Republican candidates. The redistricting has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it dilutes Black representation and undermines civil rights progress. Proponents claim the new districts better reflect the state's demographics. The changes have prompted legal challenges and debates over the fairness and implications of the new boundaries.

West Virginia voters navigate new law requiring photo IDs at polling places in primary election

West Virginia voters navigate new law requiring photo IDs at polling places in primary election

West Virginia residents have cast votes for the first time since legislation passed last year that requires they present a valid photo ID in order to vote

Los Angeles County Registrar Ensures Ballot Access for Wildfire-Displaced Residents

Los Angeles County Registrar Ensures Ballot Access for Wildfire-Displaced Residents

The Los Angeles County Registrar's office has announced measures to ensure that residents displaced by recent wildfires can still receive their ballots. Despite the displacement, residents are not required to change their voter registration. Instead, they can continue using their permanent residential address while adding a temporary mailing address to receive their ballots. This initiative aims to maintain voting accessibility for those affected by the wildfires, ensuring that their ability to participate in upcoming elections is not hindered by their current circumstances.

US Justice Department drafts legal opinion backing demands for state voter rolls

US Justice Department drafts legal opinion backing demands for state voter rolls

By Luc Cohen May 13 (Reuters) - The Department of Justice has issued a formal legal justification for the federal government's demands that states share their unredacted voter rolls, even though half a dozen federal courts have already ruled that states have no obligation to provide those lists.

West Virginia Implements New Voter ID Law in Primary Election

West Virginia Implements New Voter ID Law in Primary Election

West Virginia has implemented a new law requiring photo IDs at polling places for the first time during the primary election. The law aims to enhance election security by ensuring voters are who they claim to be. While some exceptions exist, such as for senior citizens with expired IDs, the law has been met with mixed reactions. Proponents argue it will reduce voter fraud, while opponents claim it may suppress voter turnout.