Voting Rights and Elections
Nearly every state constitution includes an explicit right to vote, and many state constitutions have “free election” provisions, as well as provisions relating to redistricting, voter eligibility and registration, ballots access, and more. State constitutions also guarantee equal protection, speech, assembly, and other rights. State constitutions have taken on greater significance in the aftermath of Rucho v. Common Cause, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution cannot be used to address partisan gerrymandering, and a series of Supreme Court decisions limiting voters’ rights under the 14th and 15th Amendments and the Voting Rights Act.
State supreme courts around the country are being presented with challenges to voting district maps that are gerrymandered along partisan or racial and ethnic lines, litigation regarding ballot initiatives and ballot access, and challenges to laws that restrict voter eligibility or access, including reduced voting hours, felony disenfranchisement, or onerous voter identification requirements.
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NC Supreme Court Upholds Law Barring People on Probation and Parole from Voting
The Racist History of State Constitutions Taking Voting Rights from People Convicted of Crimes
Washington Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to State Voting Rights Act
Oral argument is set for May 11 in a challenge under the 14th Amendment and state constitution.
North Carolina Supreme Court Upholds Voter ID Law 5 Months After Striking It Down
How Much Is Too Much in a Bill or Amendment?
Alaska Supreme Court Strikes Down Gerrymandered Districts
What’s Next in Wisconsin
The Stakes in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court Election
Abortion access, voting district maps, and executive powers all hang in the balance.