May, 2008

Below are postings from May, 2008. (See Archives | Recent Headlines)

Case Against Democrats Dismissed in Texas

May 23 - The case brought by the League of United Latin American Citizens of Texas (LULAC) against the Texas Democrats and the State of Texas was dismissed yesterday (5/22) by federal district judge Fred Biery. LULAC, in LULAC of Texas v. State of Texas (See EL@M case page), had argued that the Texas Democratic primary process unfairly diluted the voting power of Latinos. Judge Biery, in his 21 page decision, found that LULAC request for a preliminary injunction was untimely and that the "spirit and intent of the Voting Rights Act have not been violated." It is possible that the plaintiffs will appeal this decision to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Case Proceeds in 6th Circuit

May 16 - According to a status report filed yesterday (5/15) in League of Women Voters v. Blackwell, the parties have not reached a settlement in the case, and the appellees have requested that the case proceed. The briefs in the case have already been filed, so the next step in the litigation would be an oral argument in front of the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. A decision by the Court in this case could potentially be a major precedent. (See the EL@M case page).

IN and NC Polling Hours Extended

May 6 - Judges ordered an extension of polling hours in "several" Indiana precincts and at least one in North Carolina.

EL@M Releases KQKS: Indiana

May 5 - Just in time for Indiana's May 6 Presidential primary, EL@M Web Analyst Sarah Cherry presents this comprehensive analysis of Indiana's election system, including three election contest scenarios. The Indiana report is part of a developing series of reports on the election systems of swing states, reports that will later be combined with a series of interactive maps and charts to make the material more reader-friendly.