Caren E. Short #RestoretheVRA 🍉
@carenshort.bsky.social
she/her | voting rights attorney | proud @howardlawschool grad | @splcenter, @NAACP_LDF, & @adv_project alum | currently legal director @lwv | thoughts are mine alone
“The League is outraged by the politicization of redistricting and manipulation of voters as political pawns. Allowing this map to remain in place for the next election signals a dangerous tolerance for authoritarian tactics in how political power is drawn and justified.”
The US Supreme Court today granted Texas’ request for a stay of the three-judge panel’s ruling blocking the 2025 congressional map as an illegal racial gerrymander, which means it will be in place for the 2026 congressional election. www.lwv.org/newsroom/pre...
League of Women Voters Responds to Supreme Court Allowing Texas’s Racist Mid-Cycle Redistricting Map to Take Effect | League of Women Voters
www.lwv.org
December 5, 2025 at 1:39 AM
“The League is outraged by the politicization of redistricting and manipulation of voters as political pawns. Allowing this map to remain in place for the next election signals a dangerous tolerance for authoritarian tactics in how political power is drawn and justified.”
Reposted by Caren E. Short #RestoretheVRA 🍉
Among the litany of problems with SCOTUS's decision to stay the Texas map: the majority never acknowledges that "the" partisan impetus to adopt the map as a whole does not in any way preclude the improper use of race as a means to get there.
Which is exactly what the trial court found. In detail.
Which is exactly what the trial court found. In detail.
December 4, 2025 at 11:57 PM
Among the litany of problems with SCOTUS's decision to stay the Texas map: the majority never acknowledges that "the" partisan impetus to adopt the map as a whole does not in any way preclude the improper use of race as a means to get there.
Which is exactly what the trial court found. In detail.
Which is exactly what the trial court found. In detail.
Yup
Kagan's dissent is all scorchers, but this is really frying me. As long as state legislatures wait until the last possible minute, according to the SCOTUS majority, they can *always* get away with rigging the lines—no matter how flagrantly—because it'll be the "eve of an election."
December 5, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Yup
SCOTUS, imminently: hold our beer
Last week, I spoke to SCOTUS scholar @leahlitman.bsky.social in an interview about how the Texas map case posed a test for the Roberts court.
It'd show "immense hypocrisy" to uphold Texas maps, but void Louisiana's, she said.
ICYMI at All Rise News www.allrisenews.com/p/texas-loui...
It'd show "immense hypocrisy" to uphold Texas maps, but void Louisiana's, she said.
ICYMI at All Rise News www.allrisenews.com/p/texas-loui...
Texas and Louisiana maps pose test for Roberts Court
SCOTUS scholar Leah Litman says it would show "immense hypocrisy" to uphold Texas maps, but void the Bayou State's.
www.allrisenews.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:34 AM
SCOTUS, imminently: hold our beer
Exactly. Or they won’t even try to reconcile the two. They don’t seem too concerned with making sense.
Keep in mind that the Louisiana case is a racial gerrymandering case. Like the Texas case is a racial gerrymandering case.
Several Justices are going to be gunning for the gold medal in logical gymnastics.
Several Justices are going to be gunning for the gold medal in logical gymnastics.
December 5, 2025 at 12:25 AM
Exactly. Or they won’t even try to reconcile the two. They don’t seem too concerned with making sense.
Alexander has, predictably, become a tool to block Black and Latinx plaintiffs from challenging racial gerrymandering under the 14th Amendment. Now, it could be a 14th Amendment racial gerrymandering claim brought by white plaintiffs to end section 2 claims. They aren’t even trying to hide it.
December 5, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Alexander has, predictably, become a tool to block Black and Latinx plaintiffs from challenging racial gerrymandering under the 14th Amendment. Now, it could be a 14th Amendment racial gerrymandering claim brought by white plaintiffs to end section 2 claims. They aren’t even trying to hide it.
This is the message I’m getting.
The constitution is colorblind unless you want to discriminate against nonwhites. Then it’s fine apnews.com/article/supr...
Supreme Court allows Texas to use a congressional map favorable to Republicans in 2026
The Supreme Court is allowing the challenged Texas congressional redistricting plan to be used in next year’s election, despite a lower-court ruling that the map likely discriminates on the basis of r...
apnews.com
December 4, 2025 at 11:50 PM
This is the message I’m getting.
Reposted by Caren E. Short #RestoretheVRA 🍉
just an utter joke of a court.
December 4, 2025 at 11:22 PM
just an utter joke of a court.
Yep!!
The word "eve" is doing a lot of work here in the Court's 'decision'
December 4, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Yep!!
Reposted by Caren E. Short #RestoretheVRA 🍉
Kagan dissent in Texas gerrymandering case: "Today’s order disserves millions of Texans whom the District Court found were assigned to new districts based on their race...Race provided the excuse for the partisan effort. And yet more critically, race provided the key means of implementing it."
December 4, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Kagan dissent in Texas gerrymandering case: "Today’s order disserves millions of Texans whom the District Court found were assigned to new districts based on their race...Race provided the excuse for the partisan effort. And yet more critically, race provided the key means of implementing it."
🚨BREAKING: The US Supreme Court allows a racist, unconsitutional congressional map to go into effect for 2026 in Texas. This is shameful and wrong. The dissent appropriately excoriates the majority for its flippant decision that will harm millions of Texans. s3.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
s3.documentcloud.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:36 PM
🚨BREAKING: The US Supreme Court allows a racist, unconsitutional congressional map to go into effect for 2026 in Texas. This is shameful and wrong. The dissent appropriately excoriates the majority for its flippant decision that will harm millions of Texans. s3.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
🚨BREAKING: Federal court grants League of Women Voters of Arkansas preliminary injunction blocking several state laws that harm direct democracy. Congrats are in order to the amazing LWVAR and our legal team. @lwvus.bsky.social
Judge issues injunction against Arkansas direct democracy laws - Arkansas Times
A federal judge on Wednesday blocked enforcement of several Arkansas laws related to the ballot measure process.
arktimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:49 AM
🚨BREAKING: Federal court grants League of Women Voters of Arkansas preliminary injunction blocking several state laws that harm direct democracy. Congrats are in order to the amazing LWVAR and our legal team. @lwvus.bsky.social
Reposted by Caren E. Short #RestoretheVRA 🍉
The League of Women Voters of the United States, the League of Women Voters of North Carolina, and the League of Women Voters of Charlotte–Mecklenburg respond to reports of Border Patrol activity in Charlotte this weekend: www.lwv.org/newsroom/pre...
November 17, 2025 at 10:57 PM
The League of Women Voters of the United States, the League of Women Voters of North Carolina, and the League of Women Voters of Charlotte–Mecklenburg respond to reports of Border Patrol activity in Charlotte this weekend: www.lwv.org/newsroom/pre...
We are so proud to bring this case alongside our partners @campaignlegal.org. The League is a fixture at administrative naturalization ceremonies. Blocking us from registering new Americans to vote is a direct attack on our rights and the rights of new citizens. We won’t stand by! @lwvus.bsky.social
BREAKING: We're suing to block a new Trump admin policy that bans nonpartisan civic engagement groups like @lwvus.bsky.social from registering new American citizens to vote at naturalization ceremonies. This is a clear violation of the First Amendment and federal law.
November 18, 2025 at 8:55 PM
We are so proud to bring this case alongside our partners @campaignlegal.org. The League is a fixture at administrative naturalization ceremonies. Blocking us from registering new Americans to vote is a direct attack on our rights and the rights of new citizens. We won’t stand by! @lwvus.bsky.social
This is a powerful win for voters and democracy and reaffirms that politicians must work for their constituents when redistricting. The League proudly filed an amicus brief in this case with the support of our counsel @legaldefensefund.bsky.social @lwvus.bsky.social @lwvtexas.bsky.social
Federal court blocks new Texas congressional map for 2026
The decision is a major blow for Republicans, in Texas and nationally, who pushed through the mid-decade redistricting at the behest of President Donald Trump. Attorney General Ken Paxton said he woul...
www.texastribune.org
November 18, 2025 at 8:53 PM
This is a powerful win for voters and democracy and reaffirms that politicians must work for their constituents when redistricting. The League proudly filed an amicus brief in this case with the support of our counsel @legaldefensefund.bsky.social @lwvus.bsky.social @lwvtexas.bsky.social
Yes, this is a win, but this woman and anyone who agrees with her (including those sitting on this Court) should be too ashamed to even make this argument in public.
Supreme Court declines to hear case on constitutionality of same-sex marriage
The Supreme Court on Monday morning turned down a request from Kim Davis, a former county clerk in Kentucky, to reconsider its 2015 decision recognizing a constitutional right to same-sex […]
www.scotusblog.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Yes, this is a win, but this woman and anyone who agrees with her (including those sitting on this Court) should be too ashamed to even make this argument in public.
We’re so proud to be part of this case that has now permanently blocked the Trump Admin’s unlawful attempt to add DPOC to the federal registration form. DPOC is racist, xenophobic, and harms women. There’s no place for it in a multi-racial democracy.
A huge win for @lwvus.bsky.social!!
A huge win for @lwvus.bsky.social!!
November 1, 2025 at 12:05 AM
We’re so proud to be part of this case that has now permanently blocked the Trump Admin’s unlawful attempt to add DPOC to the federal registration form. DPOC is racist, xenophobic, and harms women. There’s no place for it in a multi-racial democracy.
A huge win for @lwvus.bsky.social!!
A huge win for @lwvus.bsky.social!!
We should all be paying close attention to this case. Many states have passed bans on the dangerous practice of conversion therapy to protect children. Shame on any member of this Court who would allow these practices to go back into practice. #LGBTQIA+ #loveislove
Today, the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Chiles v. Salazar, a challenge to Colorado's ban on conversion therapy. In our recent blog, LWV of Colorado explains the dangers of conversion therapy. Learn more:
www.lwv.org/blog/convers...
www.lwv.org/blog/convers...
Is Conversion Therapy Protected by Free Speech? | League of Women Voters
The Colorado State Legislature defines conversion therapy as the effort to change an individual’s sexual orientation, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expressions or to eliminate or…
www.lwv.org
October 7, 2025 at 11:52 PM
We should all be paying close attention to this case. Many states have passed bans on the dangerous practice of conversion therapy to protect children. Shame on any member of this Court who would allow these practices to go back into practice. #LGBTQIA+ #loveislove
Reposted by Caren E. Short #RestoretheVRA 🍉
BREAKING: Judge Immergut has GRANTED a 2nd TRO blocking National Guard from ANY state be sent to Oregon. She was very annoyed the DOJ circumvented her order from yesterday. I'll be joining Adam Klasfeld on Substack live to discuss in a few minutes...
JUDGE: Again, this is an emergency hearing with limited briefing. No new information has been provided about issues in Portland, so for all of the reasons stated in my prior opinion, I GRANT plaintiffs second motion for a TRO. 16/
October 6, 2025 at 3:19 AM
BREAKING: Judge Immergut has GRANTED a 2nd TRO blocking National Guard from ANY state be sent to Oregon. She was very annoyed the DOJ circumvented her order from yesterday. I'll be joining Adam Klasfeld on Substack live to discuss in a few minutes...
Went ahead and called into this hearing to listen because why not. Our constitution is hanging on by a thread and this judge is keeping it together.
Judge Immergut isn’t playing around and I suspect will slam the Trump Administration for trying to end-run her order from yesterday blocking Trump’s call-up of Oregon’s National Guard in Portland.
October 6, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Went ahead and called into this hearing to listen because why not. Our constitution is hanging on by a thread and this judge is keeping it together.
Reposted by Caren E. Short #RestoretheVRA 🍉
BREAKING: A federal judge has granted a restraining order blocking President Trump's call-up of the National Guard in Portland.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
October 4, 2025 at 11:44 PM
BREAKING: A federal judge has granted a restraining order blocking President Trump's call-up of the National Guard in Portland.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
I am so proud team of advocates who secured this long-awaited victory for Mississippians. Thank you @splcenter.org @aclu.org ACLU-MS, plaintiffs, and experts! Section 2 of the VRA is a critical tool we need to ensure that every voter has a voice in our government, including our justice system.
🏆 VICTORY in Mississippi! The SPLC won its challenge against the Mississippi Supreme Court's redistricting map.
This victory is a great leap forward for protecting the most fundamental right in this nation, voting. #VotingRights #Mississippi
This victory is a great leap forward for protecting the most fundamental right in this nation, voting. #VotingRights #Mississippi
August 20, 2025 at 7:12 PM
I am so proud team of advocates who secured this long-awaited victory for Mississippians. Thank you @splcenter.org @aclu.org ACLU-MS, plaintiffs, and experts! Section 2 of the VRA is a critical tool we need to ensure that every voter has a voice in our government, including our justice system.
Last week, LWV of Tarrant County, TX sued to challenge racial discrimination in redistricting. These courageous voters are seeking to put an end to a cowardly power grab made at the expense of voters. Thanks to our counsel TCRP! link.txcivilrights.org/TarrantRedistricting
@txcivilrights.bsky.social
@txcivilrights.bsky.social
link.txcivilrights.org
August 18, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Last week, LWV of Tarrant County, TX sued to challenge racial discrimination in redistricting. These courageous voters are seeking to put an end to a cowardly power grab made at the expense of voters. Thanks to our counsel TCRP! link.txcivilrights.org/TarrantRedistricting
@txcivilrights.bsky.social
@txcivilrights.bsky.social
Make no mistake, democracy is on the line. What matters is voters, not politicians and their political interests. www.lwv.org/blog/redistr... @lwvus.bsky.social
Redistricting is at a Crossroads: How Voters Can Achieve Fair Representation | League of Women Voters
Let’s be honest: We’re only talking about mid-cycle redistricting now because politicians fear losing power. And they’re willing to rewrite the rules to keep it.
www.lwv.org
August 16, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Make no mistake, democracy is on the line. What matters is voters, not politicians and their political interests. www.lwv.org/blog/redistr... @lwvus.bsky.social
Reposted by Caren E. Short #RestoretheVRA 🍉
This may seem procedural and not as easy to understand as the Dobbs ruling, but this is one of the most dangerous Supreme Court rulings of our lifetimes.
🚨By a 6–3 vote, the Supreme Court rules that universal injunctions likely exceed federal courts' authority and rolls back the injunctions protecting birthright citizenship from Trump's attack. www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
June 27, 2025 at 2:35 PM
This may seem procedural and not as easy to understand as the Dobbs ruling, but this is one of the most dangerous Supreme Court rulings of our lifetimes.