PA expands access, rollbacks in Iowa, and a federal court rolls back voter protections.

Welcome back to The Good, The Bad, The Ugly — your go-to source for the latest in voting rights. Voting access is on the line, and the latest updates show just how quickly the rules can change. In Pennsylvania, lawmakers are advancing a major reform to expand early and mail-in voting across the state. However, in Iowa, a new law empowers poll workers to challenge a voter’s citizenship on the spot, potentially delaying or discarding valid ballots. And at the federal level, a recent court ruling just stripped voters in seven states of their ability to sue under the Voting Rights Act — weakening one of the strongest tools we’ve had to fight racial discrimination at the ballot box.

So, buckle up as we break down the wins, the setbacks, and the urgent fights ahead in the battle for our democracy. 😉

😃 Good: The Pennsylvania House passed H.B. 1396, an election reform bill enhancing voting accessibility and security. The legislation would establish a uniform early voting period across the state, allowing voters to cast their ballots in person before Election Day. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to improve mail-in voting processes and introduces measures to streamline voter identification requirements. These reforms will modernize Pennsylvania’s election system and make voting more convenient.

😠 Bad: Iowa will now allow poll workers to challenge a voter’s citizenship status, requiring those questioned to provide proof before their ballot is counted. The new law expands the Secretary of State’s authority to verify citizenship using state, federal, and private databases. It also bans ranked-choice voting and raises the threshold for political parties to qualify as major parties in the state.

😡 Ugly: The Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that private individuals and organizations cannot sue under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. This decision, stemming from a case involving North Dakota’s 2021 redistricting plan, effectively limits the ability of voters in seven states — Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota — to challenge racially discriminatory voting laws and maps. Historically, private lawsuits have been a primary means of enforcing the Voting Rights Act. The ruling has prompted appeals from affected tribal nations and civil rights groups, who argue that it undermines decades of legal precedent and weakens protections against racial discrimination in voting.

From new reforms in Pennsylvania to concerning rollbacks in Iowa and the federal courts — the fight for fair and accessible elections isn’t over. To continue our voter education efforts and ensure every eligible voter is informed and ready, we need your voice — and your commitment.

We’ll be back soon with more important voting news and updates.