The Daily A Court Case That Could Transform Elections
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Dec 9, 2022 
Adam Liptak, the Supreme Court correspondent for The New York Times, dives into a pivotal case that could redefine the power dynamics in U.S. elections. He discusses the controversial 'independent state legislature' theory, opening the door for state lawmakers to wield nearly unchecked authority over federal elections. Liptak highlights the stakes of the Supreme Court's decision on gerrymandering and judicial oversight. The conversation also reflects on the historical implications for American democracy and the balance of power between state and federal governance.
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Case Overview
- This Supreme Court case concerns gerrymandering and a theory that could reshape the balance of power between federal and state governments.
- It could also impact the checks and balances within state governments themselves.
North Carolina Gerrymandering
- North Carolina Republicans created a map favoring themselves in a swing state, which the state Supreme Court rejected.
- Experts drew a new map resulting in a balanced 7-7 Republican-Democrat split in November's elections.
Independent State Legislature Theory
- North Carolina lawmakers argue the U.S. Constitution's elections clause gives them unchecked power over elections, above state courts.
- This interpretation focuses on the word "legislature," claiming it grants them supreme authority.