Election 2024
This year, Americans will vote not just for President and members of Congress, but for state and local officials who will affect their day-to-day lives, including state judges and supreme court justices. What’s more, voters will have the opportunity to amend their state constitutions by voting on ballot measures touching on issues including abortion, taxes, and criminal justice.
State courts and constitutions play an important role in elections at all levels. They will settle questions related to ballot access, voting processes, election challenges, and more. State Court Report will cover the role of state courts and constitutions in the 2024 elections, drawing attention to key state supreme court races, highlighting state constitutional provisions that impact election administration, demystifying state-specific election processes — and much more.
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To Prevent Chaos and Confusion, Judges Must Prepare for Election Emergencies
In advance of the election, judges should educate themselves on election administration and develop emergency response procedures that will enable creation of effective remedies.
California’s Constitution Is For the People
One of the nation’s most influential constitutions, California’s charter protects direct democracy, limits taxation, and secures individual liberty.
What Does Popular Sovereignty Really Mean?
Two new essays unpack recent state supreme court cases about the relationship between direct democracy and the power of state legislatures.
State Courts Determine Whether Abortion Rights Amendments Will Go Before Voters
Cases in multiple states demonstrate the significant roles state judges play in the direct democracy process.
Multiple High Courts Uphold Voters’ Right to Use Ballot Measures to Change Law
Decisions in California, Michigan, and Utah could serve as models for courts in other states facing power struggles between legislatures and proponents of voter-approved ballot initiatives.
State Court Oral Arguments to Watch for in September
Issues on the dockets include climate change, redistricting, and lawsuits by victims of child sexual abuse.
Direct Democracy Under Attack
Courts in Utah and Michigan recently blocked legislative assaults on the ballot initiative process.
Where Abortion Rights Will Be on the Ballot in 2024
Ten states will have abortion-related measures on the November ballot; most would amend their state constitutions to either affirm or expand protection for abortion care.