U.S. Parties File Scores of Election Lawsuits Ahead of Nov. 3 Midterms
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 2
U.S. Parties File Scores of Election Lawsuits Ahead of Nov. 3 Midterms
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 2
Summary
Scores of election-related lawsuits have already been filed by Democrats, Republicans and their allies, signaling both parties expect court fights before and after the Nov. 3 midterms.
The cases reflect mutual distrust: the Trump administration is pressing claims of widespread noncitizen registration, while Democrats say they are preparing for voter intimidation, ballot seizures and other Republican challenges.
The litigation spans narrow procedural disputes—such as how to seal a ballot envelope in North Carolina—to broader fights over how much authority the federal government can exert over state-run elections.
Election lawyers say the surge fits a longer trend since the 2000 Bush v. Gore battle, with annual U.S. election lawsuits averaging 283 from 2000 to 2024 versus 94 from 1996 to 1999.