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Shining a Light on State Supreme Court Races

2024/9/2
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Strict Scrutiny

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This segment discusses the importance of state supreme court races in the 2024 election. Emily Pacini from the ACLU provides insights into key races in states like Michigan, Montana, Ohio, and Arizona, highlighting the potential impact on issues such as reproductive rights, voting rights, and redistricting. The discussion also touches upon long-term strategies for shifting the balance of power in state courts across the country.
  • 82 seats on 33 state high courts are at stake in the 2024 election.
  • Ohio presents an opportunity to flip the balance of power in a state court.
  • Arizona has two justices up for retention election, with a potential impact on abortion rights.
  • Efforts are underway to elevate the profile of state supreme court races in Texas.
  • The ACLU has created a web tool (ACLU.org/vote) to help voters learn about judicial races and candidates' stances on civil rights issues.

Shownotes Transcript

In this week’s three-part episode, we take a look at state supreme courts and why this year’s elections are so important. First, Kate and Emily Passini of the ACLU walk us through some of the most crucial races. Then, Kate and Leah speak with state supreme court candidates Professor Kimberly Thomas of Michigan and Justice Allison Riggs of North Carolina. Finally, we have a conversation with Professor Miriam Seifter and Justice Anita Earls of the North Carolina Supreme Court about the weaponization of judicial disciplinary proceedings.