Defending Democracy with Marc Elias

Latest Episodes:

Trump Is Spreading a California Election Lie. Here's the Truth. Jun 08, 2026

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As California carefully counts its votes the same way it always has, Trump and his allies are calling it rigged, weaponizing the DOJ and laying the groundwork to reject results they don't like in 2026. In this video, Democracy Docket founder Marc Elias pulls back the curtain on Trump's California election strategy and what it means.

The Supreme Court is About to Decide the Future of Your Vote Jun 04, 2026

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The Supreme Court didn't issue any opinions on major democracy cases this week — but the decisions that will shape our country's future are coming. Democracy Docket founder Marc Elias breaks down the three biggest cases on the docket: RNC v. Watson, which could ban states from counting mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day; NRSC v. FEC, a campaign finance case Marc personally argued before the court; and Trump v. Barbara, the birthright citizenship case, which has sweeping implications for voter ID.

DOJ misconduct, the Supreme Court and Media's Collapse | Harry Litman Jun 03, 2026

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Marc Elias and Harry Litman reunite to break down the biggest rule-of-law stories of the moment: DOJ corruption, what the Supreme Court is likely to hand down this month and why legacy media is in an irreversible death spiral. Plus: what happened to Todd Blanche?

They're Stopping Trump's $1.8 Billion Slush Fund | Skye Perryman Jun 02, 2026

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Democracy Docket founder Marc Elias sits down with Skye Perryman, CEO of Democracy Forward, to break down the legal fight against Trump's $1.788 billion slush fund — and why the Department of Justice made a huge legal mistake. They also discuss Democracy Forward's efforts to expose DOGE's voter data security breaches, and how their work is an important reminder that due process is available to all of us. Even when going up against the president.Subscribe to our free newsletters or upgrade to support our work: https://bit.ly/3OK7w4A Learn more about Democracy Forward: https://democracyforward.org/

The GOP Power Grab Is Running Into Unexpected Resistance May 27, 2026

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After the Callais decision, many Republican states rushed to push through gerrymandered maps. While some of these redistricting efforts resulted in wins for the GOP, two states resisted—and the fight is still on. In this video, Marc Elias breaks down the most recent developments in the gerrymandering war and what that means for representation across the South.

Supreme Court Only Applies Made-Up Rule When It Helps Republicans May 21, 2026

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The Purcell principle is a legal concept in U.S. election law that dictates federal courts should not alter state voting rules, district maps, or election procedures too close to an election. That is, unless you’re a Republican state. Marc Elias breaks down the contradictory nature of the Supreme Court when it comes to using Purcell, and what this means for the redistricting fight ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Republicans Release Playbook to Suppress Your Vote in 2026 May 18, 2026

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Cleta Mitchell’s anti-voting group recently released its midterm playbook, urging lawmakers and election officials to severely restrict mail-in voting, eliminate same-day voter registration, and impose rigorous ID requirements. This is Project 2026, and Republicans are coming directly for your vote. In this video, Marc Elias breaks down the key propositions that will make it harder for you to cast your ballot in the midterms and beyond.

Something Dangerous Just Shifted for Democracy — And Trump Allies Noticed May 11, 2026

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Supreme Court rulings don't just shape the law, they can also change what becomes acceptable in politics. Democracy Docket founder Marc Elias explains how Republicans are already using the recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais to target Black and Latino representation and minority voting rights far beyond Louisiana. The most dangerous part of the ruling isn't just the legal outcome, it's the cultural message it sent.

Hakeem Jeffries on Gerrymander War: "The Empire State Will Strike Back" May 11, 2026

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House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins Marc Elias to break down Donald Trump's mid-decade gerrymandering war, the Supreme Court's Callais decision, and the New York Democracy Project — his home state's plan to fight against GOP gerrymandering.

The Supreme Court Just Declared War on Voting Rights. Here's How We Fight Back | Expert Panel May 07, 2026

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The Supreme Court just gutted the Voting Rights Act in Louisiana v. Callais, delivering what Marc Elias calls the worst voting rights ruling in modern memory. The fight isn't over — but no new law can undo what the court just did. So what comes next, and how do we actually push back?
In this Democracy Docket panel, Marc Elias is joined by Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law; Leah Litman, University of Michigan law professor and co-host of Strict Scrutiny; and Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee.
Together they break down the Callais ruling, the Supreme Court's pattern of dismantling voting rights, the threat to Black and Latino representation in Congress, and the real reforms that could turn this around.