Friday, July 25

Note: We’ve added something new to Daily Docket. We know that the constant barrage of worrying news makes it hard to stay motivated for the fight. That’s why we’re including a Good News section at the bottom of today’s newsletter, rounding up some of the week’s positive developments in the battle against authoritarianism.

Take a look below and let us know if you’d like to continue seeing this section!

Trump’s chilling retribution campaign poses a grave threat to democracy

In 2023, Donald Trump told supporters, "I am your retribution," vowing to use a second term for vengeance if re-elected. Six months into that term, he's weaponizing the federal government against political opponents, threatening fair elections and democracy.
Some of the high-profile figures who have been targeted by the president’s burgeoning retaliation campaign include former President Barack Obama, former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James and more.

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Voting rights groups seek to stop Arkansas laws targeting ballot initiatives

Pro-voting groups in Arkansas asked a federal court to block several state laws that they say restrict direct democracy by making it nearly impossible for voters to put issues on the ballot.
“These new laws — both individually and collectively — unconstitutionally infringe upon …First and Fourteenth Amendment rights,” the groups wrote in their complaint.

DOJ demands voter data from Maryland and Michigan

Maryland and Michigan are the latest states targeted by the DOJ in its nationwide effort to collect sensitive voter data. Both states have reportedly received letters from the department’s civil rights division demanding access to their voter registration data.
A July 14 letter reportedly sent to the Maryland State Board of Elections asked the state to hand over voter registration data from November 2022 to November 2024. The letter also questioned the accuracy of Maryland’s voter rolls and raised the threat of a federal investigation.
A July 21 letter sent to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) demanded access to the state’s voter rolls, and made a series of inquiries into how it maintains them. The DOJ said that it “received a complaint that alleges Michigan is not compliant” with federal voting laws, which a spokesperson for Benson’s office vehemently denied.

AND NOW FOR THE GOOD NEWS

Courts continue to check Trump’s abuse of power

A federal appeals court blocked Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, calling the move blatantly unconstitutional — a ruling that sidesteps the Supreme Court’s recent ban on nationwide injunctions.
A federal judge barred the administration from re-detaining Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was previously deported in defiance of a court order, reinforcing due process rights.
While a judge allowed parts of Trump’s sweeping anti-voting executive order to take effect, key protections for voters in 19 states remain intact.

Former federal workers launch “Camp Democracy”

Every Tuesday this summer at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., fired federal employees and their children will share personal stories and pen letters urging lawmakers to protect public service jobs and uphold democratic norms — they’re calling it “Camp Democracy.”

‘Good Trouble Lives On’ protests reignite the fight for voting rights

Last week, tens of thousands across the U.S. took part in “Good Trouble Lives On” rallies to commemorate the legacy of former congressman and civil-rights icon John Lewis, and to peacefully protest the Trump administration.
Organized by groups like Indivisible, the National Urban League and Black Voters Matter, the protests focused on voter registration efforts and demands to restore federal voting protections — a reminder that while democracy is under intense pressure, the fight for ballot access is still very much alive.