Democracy Docket
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Covering voting rights, elections, and the courts — from an unapologetically pro-democracy standpoint.
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Founded: @marcelias.bsky.social
Subscribe to our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4qskS3m
Read our reporting: democracydocket.com
Founded: @marcelias.bsky.social
Trump said he ordered Nicolás Maduro's capture to bring charges and seize Venezuela’s oil. Prominent far-right figures, however, suggest the operation was designed to prove a conspiracy theory that Venezuela helped rig the 2020 election.
Election deniers think Maduro’s capture will expose plot to steal 2020
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 10, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Trump said he ordered Nicolás Maduro's capture to bring charges and seize Venezuela’s oil. Prominent far-right figures, however, suggest the operation was designed to prove a conspiracy theory that Venezuela helped rig the 2020 election.
NEW: Ballot initiatives are a lifeline for enacting progressive policies, and Republicans know this. GOP officials nationwide are now coordinating a sweeping campaign to shut down direct democracy, making it harder for voters to have a voice. https://bit.ly/4jxAnnz
www.democracydocket.com
January 10, 2026 at 2:02 PM
NEW: Ballot initiatives are a lifeline for enacting progressive policies, and Republicans know this. GOP officials nationwide are now coordinating a sweeping campaign to shut down direct democracy, making it harder for voters to have a voice. https://bit.ly/4jxAnnz
📽️NEW: This week, journalist Molly Jong-Fast unpacks Trump’s declining political power, the myth of a governing mandate and the growing backlash heading into the 2026 midterm elections. She also dives into why journalism has been undermined by policy choices. Watch below👇
The Crisis Is Worse Than You Think | Molly Jong-Fast
YouTube video by Democracy Docket
www.youtube.com
January 10, 2026 at 2:16 AM
📽️NEW: This week, journalist Molly Jong-Fast unpacks Trump’s declining political power, the myth of a governing mandate and the growing backlash heading into the 2026 midterm elections. She also dives into why journalism has been undermined by policy choices. Watch below👇
NEW: Virginia Democrats are signaling a push for a new congressional map that would leave Republicans with just one U.S. House seat — a direct response to GOP-led gerrymanders pushed by Trump ahead of the midterm elections.
Virginia Democrats signal push for congressional map that leaves just one GOP seat in bid to counter gerrymanders
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 10, 2026 at 1:05 AM
NEW: Virginia Democrats are signaling a push for a new congressional map that would leave Republicans with just one U.S. House seat — a direct response to GOP-led gerrymanders pushed by Trump ahead of the midterm elections.
BREAKING: In a major win for voters, a federal court blocked key parts of Trump’s anti-voting executive order.
The judge ruled Trump had no authority to rewrite election rules, target mail-in ballots or force new barriers to voter registration.
The judge ruled Trump had no authority to rewrite election rules, target mail-in ballots or force new barriers to voter registration.
Federal court blocks key parts of Trump’s anti-voting order, restores states’ control over elections
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 10, 2026 at 12:42 AM
BREAKING: In a major win for voters, a federal court blocked key parts of Trump’s anti-voting executive order.
The judge ruled Trump had no authority to rewrite election rules, target mail-in ballots or force new barriers to voter registration.
The judge ruled Trump had no authority to rewrite election rules, target mail-in ballots or force new barriers to voter registration.
The media you support is a statement of your values. Democracy Docket was started in 2020 to be fiercely independent and unapologetically pro-democracy.
If that is what you value, join today.
If that is what you value, join today.
Subscribe to Democracy Docket
Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the latest in the fight for our democracy in the courts.
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January 9, 2026 at 11:18 PM
The media you support is a statement of your values. Democracy Docket was started in 2020 to be fiercely independent and unapologetically pro-democracy.
If that is what you value, join today.
If that is what you value, join today.
NEW: An attorney for Missouri's secretary of state admitted in court that her client drafted misleading ballot language for a citizen-led referendum aimed at blocking the GOP's new gerrymandered congressional map.
Missouri Secretary of State admits to misleading ballot language for gerrymander referendum
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:21 PM
NEW: An attorney for Missouri's secretary of state admitted in court that her client drafted misleading ballot language for a citizen-led referendum aimed at blocking the GOP's new gerrymandered congressional map.
NEW: Former FBI Director James Comey and NY AG Leitita James asked a federal court to allow separate rebuttals against the DOJ's effort to revive its politically motivated cases against them. They argue their cases involve unique issues that must distinctly be addressed.
Letitia James, James Comey take aim at DOJ attempt to revive failed criminal cases
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:55 PM
NEW: Former FBI Director James Comey and NY AG Leitita James asked a federal court to allow separate rebuttals against the DOJ's effort to revive its politically motivated cases against them. They argue their cases involve unique issues that must distinctly be addressed.
NEW: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis suggested he’s considering clemency for election denier Tina Peters. The announcement comes days after Trump vindictively vetoed a bill to fund a clean water pipeline for the state.
After pressure from Trump, Colorado gov. signals possible clemency for election denier Tina Peters
Read more here.
bit.ly
January 9, 2026 at 8:16 PM
NEW: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis suggested he’s considering clemency for election denier Tina Peters. The announcement comes days after Trump vindictively vetoed a bill to fund a clean water pipeline for the state.
Utah Republicans took their redistricting fight to the state Supreme Court, asking it to review a ruling blocking their new gerrymander. While a fairer map is in effect, GOP lawmakers have also signaled their desire to reinstate the old map as litigation continues.
Utah GOP asks state Supreme Court to revive blocked congressional gerrymander
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Utah Republicans took their redistricting fight to the state Supreme Court, asking it to review a ruling blocking their new gerrymander. While a fairer map is in effect, GOP lawmakers have also signaled their desire to reinstate the old map as litigation continues.
NEW: Former election chiefs urged SCOTUS to uphold mail ballot grace periods, warning that eliminating them would create a chaotic "dual voting system" that forces the adoption of different rules for federal and nonfederal races just before the 2026 midterms.
Banning mail ballot grace periods would create chaotic ‘dual voting system,’ former election chiefs warn SCOTUS
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 9, 2026 at 7:49 PM
NEW: Former election chiefs urged SCOTUS to uphold mail ballot grace periods, warning that eliminating them would create a chaotic "dual voting system" that forces the adoption of different rules for federal and nonfederal races just before the 2026 midterms.
NEW: The DNC warned 10 states that shared sensitive voter data with the DOJ that they may have violated federal law, specifically a “quiet period provision” barring states from removing voters from their rolls within 90 days of an election.
DNC warns states that complied with DOJ voter roll demand may have violated federal law
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:24 PM
NEW: The DNC warned 10 states that shared sensitive voter data with the DOJ that they may have violated federal law, specifically a “quiet period provision” barring states from removing voters from their rolls within 90 days of an election.
NEW: South Carolina pro-voting plaintiffs sued Gov. Henry McMaster (R) over his deployment of the National Guard to D.C. at Trump’s request, arguing the governor can’t support federal law enforcement in other states under state law. They seek to block the deployment.
🚨 South Carolina Public Interest Foundation v. McMaster
Learn more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:22 PM
NEW: South Carolina pro-voting plaintiffs sued Gov. Henry McMaster (R) over his deployment of the National Guard to D.C. at Trump’s request, arguing the governor can’t support federal law enforcement in other states under state law. They seek to block the deployment.
NEW: In a bipartisan effort, two U.S. lawmakers asked a federal judge to appoint an independent monitor to compel the DOJ to release the Epstein files. The request follows the department's violation of a new federal law that required all files to be released last year.
‘DOJ cannot be trusted’: Lawmakers ask judge for independent oversight on Epstein files
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:21 PM
NEW: In a bipartisan effort, two U.S. lawmakers asked a federal judge to appoint an independent monitor to compel the DOJ to release the Epstein files. The request follows the department's violation of a new federal law that required all files to be released last year.
An Obama-appointed federal judge ruled John Sarcone, Trump’s temporary pick as acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, has been serving unlawfully in his post for months. Sarcone is the fifth Trump DOJ U.S. attorney to be disqualified.
https://bit.ly/3LvWHBk
https://bit.ly/3LvWHBk
Federal judge disqualifies 5th Trump-appointed acting U.S. attorney
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:30 PM
An Obama-appointed federal judge ruled John Sarcone, Trump’s temporary pick as acting U.S. attorney for the Northern District of New York, has been serving unlawfully in his post for months. Sarcone is the fifth Trump DOJ U.S. attorney to be disqualified.
https://bit.ly/3LvWHBk
https://bit.ly/3LvWHBk
UPDATE: The Supreme Court did not release a ruling in Louisiana v. Callais today.
⚖️TODAY, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
At 10 AM ET, SCOTUS could gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act — a decision that could strip Black and brown voters of their voices, and lock in GOP power for decades to come.
Learn more below:
https://bit.ly/49KnaEy
At 10 AM ET, SCOTUS could gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act — a decision that could strip Black and brown voters of their voices, and lock in GOP power for decades to come.
Learn more below:
https://bit.ly/49KnaEy
Fair Elections — and Perhaps Control of Congress — at Stake as SCOTUS Hears Challenge to VRA
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:12 PM
UPDATE: The Supreme Court did not release a ruling in Louisiana v. Callais today.
Reposted by Democracy Docket
trying to live life on a day with supreme court opinions coming out
January 9, 2026 at 2:35 PM
trying to live life on a day with supreme court opinions coming out
⚖️TODAY, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
At 10 AM ET, SCOTUS could gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act — a decision that could strip Black and brown voters of their voices, and lock in GOP power for decades to come.
Learn more below:
https://bit.ly/49KnaEy
At 10 AM ET, SCOTUS could gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act — a decision that could strip Black and brown voters of their voices, and lock in GOP power for decades to come.
Learn more below:
https://bit.ly/49KnaEy
Fair Elections — and Perhaps Control of Congress — at Stake as SCOTUS Hears Challenge to VRA
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM
⚖️TODAY, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
At 10 AM ET, SCOTUS could gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act — a decision that could strip Black and brown voters of their voices, and lock in GOP power for decades to come.
Learn more below:
https://bit.ly/49KnaEy
At 10 AM ET, SCOTUS could gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act — a decision that could strip Black and brown voters of their voices, and lock in GOP power for decades to come.
Learn more below:
https://bit.ly/49KnaEy
In 2023, Ohio voters codified reproductive freedom into law. Now, three years later, state Republicans are pushing to oppose the people by pursuing a backdoor ban on abortion that targets telemedicine and Medicaid funding, Susan Rinkunas writes.
https://bit.ly/4srpQhH
https://bit.ly/4srpQhH
Ohio Republicans are defying voters to pursue a backdoor abortion ban
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:29 PM
In 2023, Ohio voters codified reproductive freedom into law. Now, three years later, state Republicans are pushing to oppose the people by pursuing a backdoor ban on abortion that targets telemedicine and Medicaid funding, Susan Rinkunas writes.
https://bit.ly/4srpQhH
https://bit.ly/4srpQhH
Though Missouri officials rejected one-third of the signatures voters collected to block the GOP’s new gerrymander, two-thirds remain valid and have been relayed to local officials for verification. Voters need 106k valid signatures to pause the measure. https://bit.ly/49sHJEa
Missouri officials reject one-third of signatures in anti-gerrymander referendum dispute
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:00 AM
Though Missouri officials rejected one-third of the signatures voters collected to block the GOP’s new gerrymander, two-thirds remain valid and have been relayed to local officials for verification. Voters need 106k valid signatures to pause the measure. https://bit.ly/49sHJEa
The real battle for democracy isn’t on cable news — it’s in courtrooms across the country.
We cover the legal fights that shape your rights and the future of our elections. Our free newsletters give you clear insights built to keep you informed. https://bit.ly/4qskS3m
We cover the legal fights that shape your rights and the future of our elections. Our free newsletters give you clear insights built to keep you informed. https://bit.ly/4qskS3m
Subscribe to Democracy Docket
Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the latest in the fight for our democracy in the courts.
newsletters.democracydocket.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:00 PM
The real battle for democracy isn’t on cable news — it’s in courtrooms across the country.
We cover the legal fights that shape your rights and the future of our elections. Our free newsletters give you clear insights built to keep you informed. https://bit.ly/4qskS3m
We cover the legal fights that shape your rights and the future of our elections. Our free newsletters give you clear insights built to keep you informed. https://bit.ly/4qskS3m
NEW: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened a state takeover of Houston’s elections following allegations that voters were unlawfully registered using commercial post office box addresses. The move marks an escalation in the GOP's attempt to control voting in Texas' largest city.
Texas governor threatens state takeover of Houston elections
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:44 PM
NEW: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened a state takeover of Houston’s elections following allegations that voters were unlawfully registered using commercial post office box addresses. The move marks an escalation in the GOP's attempt to control voting in Texas' largest city.
NEW: After an ICE officer fatally shot a Minneapolis mother, the Trump administration jumped to portray her as a "left-wing radical" who committed "an attack on the American people.” The rhetoric marks its latest attempt to pin violence on its political foes to intensify its crackdown on dissent.
Trump administration uses ICE shooting to threaten political retaliation
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:40 PM
NEW: After an ICE officer fatally shot a Minneapolis mother, the Trump administration jumped to portray her as a "left-wing radical" who committed "an attack on the American people.” The rhetoric marks its latest attempt to pin violence on its political foes to intensify its crackdown on dissent.
NEW: Once upon a time, mail voting was a bipartisan reform aimed at making voting more accessible. Post Trump, it’s now an ideological battle line between Democrats and Republicans. But a new USPS rule change risks harming voters from both parties, @marcelias.bsky.social writes.
How new USPS rules put the right to vote at risk
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:45 PM
NEW: Once upon a time, mail voting was a bipartisan reform aimed at making voting more accessible. Post Trump, it’s now an ideological battle line between Democrats and Republicans. But a new USPS rule change risks harming voters from both parties, @marcelias.bsky.social writes.
A Trump-appointed judge orders Trump loyalist Lindsey Halligan to explain why she’s continuing to use the U.S. Attorney title even after she was legally disqualified for unlawfully serving in the role beyond her interim period. https://bit.ly/4psfyLK
Trump-appointed judge demands Halligan explain her U.S. attorney title shell game
Read more here.
www.democracydocket.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:00 PM
A Trump-appointed judge orders Trump loyalist Lindsey Halligan to explain why she’s continuing to use the U.S. Attorney title even after she was legally disqualified for unlawfully serving in the role beyond her interim period. https://bit.ly/4psfyLK