A legal watchdog group is challenging New York’s universal mail-in voting law, arguing it’s unconstitutional. The Public Interest Legal Foundation, representing Republican leaders, claims the law violates the state constitution and undermines election integrity. This challenge follows a similar legal battle in Delaware, where the foundation initially secured a victory but ultimately lost the case.
Former US President Donald Trump was found guilty on May 30th in the first criminal trial of a former president in the nation’s history. This unprecedented verdict brings a unique twist to the upcoming presidential race, as Trump remains a leading candidate despite his felony conviction. The guilty verdict stems from falsifying business records in connection with hush money payments during the 2016 election. Notably, under the US Constitution, the conviction does not disqualify Trump from running for president, and he maintains his eligibility to vote for himself in Florida, where he resides.
Former FEC Commissioner Bradley Smith, a highly respected election law expert, was prevented from testifying fully in the NY v. Trump trial. Judge Juan Merchan restricted the scope of Smith’s testimony, limiting him to basic election law definitions, despite his expertise in the complex matter of campaign finance. Smith expressed frustration, arguing that the jury needed guidance on the intricate laws surrounding election finance and that the prosecution’s witness, Michael Cohen, was allowed to present a biased interpretation of the law. The defense team rested after Smith’s testimony was curtailed, and the jury was dismissed until after Memorial Day, with closing arguments expected to begin next Tuesday.
A federal judge has invalidated a North Carolina law criminalizing voting for individuals with felony convictions, ruling that the law was enacted with discriminatory intent and continues to disproportionately impact Black voters. This decision comes amidst concerns about voter suppression tactics targeting Black Americans ahead of the 2024 election.
The Supreme Court has declined to hear a lawsuit challenging the use of electronic voting machines in Arizona. The lawsuit was filed by Kari Lake, a Republican candidate for governor in 2022, and Mark Finchem, a former Republican state lawmaker. Lake and Finchem argued that the state’s electronic voting machines could be hacked and that their use violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. However, lower courts dismissed the lawsuit, finding that Lake and Finchem had not been harmed in a way that allowed them to sue. The Supreme Court agreed with the lower courts, writing that the lawsuit was “based on speculative concerns” and that the plaintiffs had not shown any actual harm from the use of electronic voting machines in Arizona.
In a historic trial, former President Trump stands accused of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 payment made to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential election. Prosecutors argue that the payment was intended to influence the election, while the defense maintains it was for legitimate legal fees. The trial is expected to explore the extent to which Trump’s actions violated election law and whether the prosecution can prove his criminal intent.
