Christy McCormick, a Republican member of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), is facing a call to step down after accusing Democrats of encouraging “open borders” and widespread voting by “illegal citizens,” because “they need the votes.”
Friday, October 31
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Dems ‘need the votes’ of ‘illegal citizens,’ top federal election official claims in unhinged rant ([link removed] )
- Christy McCormick, a Republican member of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), is facing a call to step down after accusing Democrats of encouraging “open borders” and widespread voting by “illegal citizens,” because “they need the votes.”
- “It’s un-American to spread lies that sow fear and paranoia in the heart of our democracy,” Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read (D) told Democracy Docket. “She must resign or be removed immediately. America’s light is dimming because rot like this is spreading — and it’s up to us to stop it.”
- Read the full story >>> ([link removed] )
In a late, obscure notice, DHS turbocharges Trump’s voter purge database, evading privacy protections ([link removed] )
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) quietly formalized ([link removed] ) sweeping changes to a federal immigration database, allowing it to be used as a “voter verification” tool that sidesteps federal privacy protections and makes it easier to remove voters from the rolls.
- DHS cited President Donald Trump’s anti-voting executive orders as the spur for the move.
- Read the full story >>> ([link removed] )
A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR
- The ACLU is at the Supreme Court this term to protect voting rights and fight attempts to disempower voters of color.
- Join the fight to expand voting rights for every American. Tell Congress to support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. ([link removed] )
Ohio adopts new congressional map giving GOP an extra edge in two districts ([link removed] )
- The Ohio Redistricting Commission adopted ([link removed] ) a new congressional map that makes two districts currently held by Democrats slightly more favorable to Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The new map — part of a nationwide GOP effort to rig maps and retain control of the House — will be in effect until 2031.
- Read the full story >>> ([link removed] )
DOJ indicts congressional candidate amid threats to arrest Dems over ICE accountability efforts ([link removed] )
- The U.S. Department of Justice filed ([link removed] ) felony charges Wednesday against Illinois Democratic congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh, and multiple Chicago officials, for allegedly conspiring to impede an officer at a protest against ICE’s enforcement activities.
- The case raises stark First Amendment and democracy concerns, as opposing Trump’s Chicago immigration raids has become a central part of Abughazaleh’s campaign.
- Read the full story >>> ([link removed] )
Democrats’ new strategy to counter GOP gerrymandering ([link removed] )
- We know that Trump and the Republican Party are leading a coordinated redistricting and gerrymandering campaign to rig upcoming elections and weaken democracy. In the latest episode of Defending Democracy, Marc exposes how these maps threaten fair representation, expand voter suppression, and test the limits of election law.
- Watch the video >>> ([link removed] )
A MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSOR
Fight Voter SuppressionFINAL (1) - Destini Bennett ([link removed] )
The ACLU is at the Supreme Court this term to defend fair maps that give voters of color the representation they deserve. The stakes are high – Louisiana v. Callais could determine who gets to participate in our democracy and it comes at a time where anti-voter measures are surging. Help protect equal access to the ballot box. Tell Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. ([link removed] )
AND NOW FOR THIS WEEK’S GOOD NEWS
EAC barred from implementing proof of citizenship decree in Trump’s anti-voting order ([link removed] )
- In a major win for voters, a federal court ruled that the EAC is permanently barred from implementing the provision requiring documentary proof of citizenship on the federal voter registration form in Trump’s anti-voting executive order.
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Virginia completes first step of its plan to counter GOP gerrymanders ([link removed] )
- Virginia lawmakers passed ([link removed] ) a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the state to redraw its congressional map to counter GOP gerrymanders. The measure must be passed again next year before being approved by voters.
- GOP lawmakers in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina have redrawn their maps ([link removed] ) this year under pressure from President Donald Trump, leading some Democratic-led states to take action to counter those potential gains.
Ninth Circuit reinstates block on Trump’s National Guard deployment in Portland ([link removed] )
- The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted ([link removed] ) to rehear Trump’s Portland National Guard case en banc, vacating a prior panel ruling that had allowed him to seize control of Oregon’s troops.
- The decision immediately reinstates Judge Karin Immergut’s injunction blocking the deployment, keeping federal troops out of Portland while the full court reconsiders the case.
Federal judge finds Trump’s top California prosecutor served unlawfully ([link removed] )
- A federal judge ruled ([link removed] ) that Bill Essayli, Trump’s acting U.S. Attorney for California’s Central District, has been serving illegally — marking the third such rebuke of Trump-installed prosecutors.
- The ruling echoes similar findings in New Jersey and Nevada, where Trump loyalists were also found to be unlawfully holding office. The decision underscores Trump’s attempts to bypass constitutional checks and fill the Justice Department with unconfirmed political allies.
Federal court extends block on Trump’s politically motivated federal firings ([link removed] )
- A federal judge in California extended ([link removed] ) an order preventing the Trump administration from laying off thousands of federal workers during the government shutdown, citing evidence the firings were driven by political retaliation rather than fiscal necessity.
- The ruling strengthens protections for career civil servants and reaffirms that the president cannot purge nonpartisan employees for political loyalty.
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