States Sue Over FEMA Grant Conditions Tied to Elections and Immigration
A multistate coalition sued in Rhode Island over FEMA and DHS grant conditions linking emergency funding to election rules, immigration enforcement and agency priorities.
Election Administration
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States Sue to Block DHS/FEMA Grant Conditions Tied to Election Administration
More than 24 states sued over HSGP conditions tied to paper ballots, a 5% post-election manual audit, and SAVE citizenship checks—threatening a 20% holdback.
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July 14, 2026 D.C. Circuit vacates USPS voting case; PRC is first forum
D.C. Circuit vacated a district court ruling in State of New York v. Trump on July 14. Some USPS mail-service election challenges must start at the PRC.
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Courts reject DOJ efforts to compel unredacted state voter rolls: What the July dismissals mean for privacy and federal oversight
United States Elections and Voting Rules – Courts dismiss DOJ bids for unredacted voter rolls in West Virginia, New Mexico and Virginia, raising privacy stakes.
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Courts Limit DOJ Demands for States’ Voter Data—What Mullin’s SAVE Push Means
On July 17, DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned states that skipping SAVE could bring fines, penalties or prison. Courts have limited DOJ access to voter data.
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Trump removes all Election Assistance Commission members—what happens next?
The EAC is left without commissioners after July 9 removals, raising questions for HAVA grant support and voting-system testing & certification during the midterms.
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Judge dismisses DOJ bid for unredacted New Mexico voter rolls (with prejudice)
A federal judge dismissed DOJ’s bid to get unredacted New Mexico voter-registration records on July 14, 2026, ruling the demand letter was defective.
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July 7 ruling quashes DOJ subpoena for Fulton election workers’ personal data
A July 7 order from U.S. District Judge William Ray quashed DOJ’s grand-jury request for Fulton County election workers’ names and contact info.
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DOJ election-monitor letters for Aug. 4—East Lansing disputes July 24 deadline
United States Evening Elections and Democracy Update – DOJ asks East Lansing for HAVA records by July 24; city disputes and monitors are planned for Aug. 4.
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Judge blocks Trump mail-voting EO for federal voter lists and USPS steps (23 states + D.C.)
June 25 federal ruling blocks Trump EO 14399 Sections 2–3 on “Confirmed Citizen Lists” and USPS mail-ballot rules for 23 states + D.C. in 2026.
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FEMA election-security grant terms: 20% drawdown holdback until proof
FEMA’s FY 2026 HSGP NOFO requires states and UASI recipients to hold back 20% of drawdowns until FEMA verifies election-security proof. Apply by July 24.
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Appeals court rebuffs DOJ bid for Michigan voter-roll data—what next?
Sixth Circuit upholds dismissal in United States v. Benson, limiting DOJ’s demand for Michigan’s unredacted voter-roll identifiers—privacy implications.
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Supreme Court lets states count late mail ballots, preserving grace periods
United States Fast Follow on Elections and Democracy – The Supreme Court said states may keep counting postmarked mail ballots that arrive after Election Day, preserving grace periods in states that already use them. ([supremecourt.gov](https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1260_g3cn.pdf))
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EAC launches free federal training certification for election officials
United States Fast Follow on Elections and Democracy – The EAC launched a free online certificate and training library for state and local election officials.
