Appeals Court Archives | American Democracy Minute

2020 Mass Challenges of 364,000 Georgia Voters Under Scrutiny by Federal Appeals Court

May 27, 2025May 28, 2025

Georgia law allows unlimited challenges by voters to the eligibility of other citizens registering or voting. Before a hotly-contested U.S. Senate runoff elections in 2021, an activist group challenged over 364,000 voters. The case is now before an appeals court.

Fallout Continues from 2023 SCOTUS ‘Milligan’ Decision, as the Alabama Legislature Faces Possible Return of Preclearance Requirements

May 11, 2025May 11, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a lower court decision in Allen vs. Milligan in 2023, finding Alabama must provide an additional majority-Black Congressional District. Defiant, the legislature created new maps - again with only one real majority-minority district. That action could return Alabama to “preclearance” status by the federal government.

Partisan Saga of North Carolina’s 2024 Supreme Court Race Now Returns to Federal Court. 5,000 Military & Overseas Ballots at Risk of Invalidation

April 15, 2025April 15, 2025

A North Carolina Supreme Court candidate who lost by 734 votes and refused to concede got help from the state appeals and supreme courts in his partisan battle to invalidate as many as 65,000 voters. His case is now back in federal court.

Federal Court of Appeals Throws Out GOP Legislator Challenge to Michigan’s Prop 2 Pro-Voter Reforms. But Sleep with the Light On.

January 2, 2025January 2, 2025

In November 2022, Michigan voters passed a constitutional amendment enshrining voting protections and expanding ballot access. After the legislature implemented the voters’ directive, GOP legislators sued, claiming that only the legislature could make such changes. Their suit was just thrown out.

What’s Ahead for 2025: Mississippi Case Challenging the Counting of Mail-In Ballots After Election Day Likely Headed to U.S. Supreme Court

December 24, 2024December 24, 2024

In coming reports, we’re anticipating 2025 democracy court cases and legislation. In October, a federal appeals court struck down a Mississippi law allowing receipt and counting of mail-in ballots up to five days after election day. We’re expecting it in the U.S. Supreme Court.