election judges

The Supreme Court will consider whether judges have the power to extend polling hours, but the case will not be heard until after the November election. The timing means any ruling on the issue will come too late to affect voting procedures in the upcoming contest, though it could shape how courts respond to polling-place disruptions in future elections.

A judge has tasked the government with creating a non-medical safe-supply drug program. The ruling follows the convictions of Kalicum and Nyx, who admitted last year to trafficking after buying pure drugs, and is being described as potentially significant for election campaigns. The decision has drawn limited media coverage so far.

Champaign County, Illinois officials warn that polling locations may have to close unless more residents sign up to serve as election judges. Without enough judges to staff precincts, some voters could face longer trips or consolidated sites in upcoming elections. Officials are urging residents to volunteer to keep voting accessible across the county.

A federal judge ruled Monday that the Trump administration cannot withhold FEMA antiterrorism preparedness grants from states over election-related policy changes. The decision means states will keep access to federal security funding regardless of their election rules, in a case with implications for how far the administration can use grant conditions to pressure states on voting policy.