Republican legislatures are increasingly violating court orders and breaking criminal laws, which is rewarded and celebrated within the party, leading to a dangerous disregard for the rule of law.
There is an ongoing assault on voting rights and democracy across the United States, emphasizing the importance of fighting against voter suppression and protecting the integrity of elections.
Deep dives
Republican Legislatures Defying Court Orders and Embracing Lawlessness
Republican legislatures are increasingly violating court orders and breaking criminal laws, which is rewarded and celebrated within the party. This trend is illustrated by the example of Alabama legislators defying a court order. The significance of this shift is underscored by the fact that in the past, defying court orders was detrimental to a politician's career. However, this behavior is now seen as beneficial within the party, leading to a dangerous disregard for the rule of law.
Voting Rights Under Attack and Efforts to Suppress Democracy
There is an ongoing assault on voting rights and democracy across the United States. Multiple cases of voting rights violations are being litigated, including the Alabama vote suppression case that is still being fought despite being resolved at the Supreme Court. Efforts to suppress direct democracy when it comes to issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights are also occurring. These cases highlight the importance of fighting against voter suppression and protecting the integrity of elections.
Mark Elias' Fight for Voting Rights and Democracy
Mark Elias, a renowned election and voting litigator, has consistently fought against voter suppression and worked to protect voting rights. Through strategic legal actions, he has challenged laws and practices that disproportionately impact marginalized communities, particularly Black, Brown, and young voters. His cases have led to victories such as reducing rejection rates of mail-in ballots and ensuring fair districting. Elias emphasizes the significance of participating in the political process, urging individuals to register, vote, and engage in conversations about protecting democracy.
The Need for Individual Engagement in Defending Democracy
Defending democracy requires individual engagement and active participation. Each person has a personal 'town square' in which they can discuss and advocate for democracy. Having conversations about the importance of voting, standing up against voter suppression, and informing others about the threats to democracy can make a significant impact. It is crucial to encourage others to register to vote and exercise their right, as well as to highlight instances of anti-democratic behavior and call for accountability. By actively defending democracy, individuals can help bring about positive change.
Dahlia Lithwick is joined by Marc Elias, who has litigated more election and voting cases than almost anyone, to talk about Alabama’s disregard for SCOTUS’ decision in the big Voting Rights Act case of last term, and why the lawlessness is the point. They also delve into the dangers of tying the disqualification of former President Donald J Trump from office under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment to the outcomes in his criminal trials. And why, when it comes to defending democracy, depending on the courts may make sense in the short term, but faces serious problems in the long term.
