Law Forward

Did you catch Jeff Mandell on Civic Media this past Saturday discussing recent SCOWIS decisions (including #FairMaps and drop boxes)? Listen here: https://lnkd.in/g7NBKr5Z

We're seeking a Legal Fellow to join our growing and dynamic impact litigation nonprofit! The ideal candidate will be a new lawyer interested in fair elections, the proper functioning of democracy and state government. They will have an interest in thinking creatively and strategically about legal tools and processes to hold government accountable to its constituents. They will have a proven ability to use legal research and tools to solve problems and work collaboratively with colleagues, clients, and coalition partners. They will be energized by getting results in a collaborative environment and have the resilience to navigate setbacks with an eye toward new opportunities. https://lnkd.in/g56-rA2f

Today is the last day to register online to vote by mail in time for Wisconsin's Aug. 13 primary! myvote.wi.gov Be #VoteReady and #MakeAPlanToVote! Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE with any questions about the voting process or to report problems at the polls.

This July, we celebrate the anniversary of the ratification of the 26th Amendment - but the rights it enshrined are under attack today. The future of our country depends on the voices and votes of young Americans. We should not take away this freedom. https://lnkd.in/gfYxe5jq

Last week, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down legislative overreach into administrative functions of the executive branch. Maintaining the separation of powers is crucial to ensuring a fair and representative government. Due to significant gerrymandering, the Wisconsin Legislature has not been accountable or representative and has, concentrated power in these small, unrepresentative committees, without proper checks from the voters. This unchecked power has led to legislative overreach and undermined the balance intended by our Constitution, democratic principles, and public trust. This decision is a critical step toward rebalancing our government, ensuring it reflects the will of the people and not just the interests of those in power. https://lnkd.in/gCNEdWiB

In America, the right to vote is fundamental. Despite concerted efforts to restrict voting access, the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court decision makes significant progress towards ensuring everyone can vote safely, securely, and conveniently. Preserving the constitutional freedom to vote is central to Law Forward's mission, and we are proud to represent organizations dedicated to advocating for accessible voting, particularly for vulnerable populations. Ensuring this certainty before the upcoming elections is critical so that our nearly 2,000 clerks, who are members of our communities and dedicated public servants, can administer voting in a consistent and uniform manner. https://lnkd.in/gHZC-b44

Monday's Supreme Court ruling is disappointing but not surprising, because while we can and should expect courts to do justice, they often fall short. Across our history, and especially over the past few years, we’ve seen decision after decision that distorts the law to reach outcomes that favor extremists and fringe legal theories seeking to control our lives and imperil our livelihoods. We saw it in Dobbs. Then in Bruen, the discrimination cases, and the cases limiting the authority to protect our air and water. Last week we saw it when the Court overruled Chevron, a cornerstone of federal administrative law. Now again on Monday. That decision underscores the importance of holding accountable those who enabled Trump’s efforts to overturn the will of the people and to deter those who might seek to do so again in a future election. Efforts to hold Trump's co-conspirators, including those who designed and implemented the fake-electors scheme that began in Wisconsin, are more vital than ever. Ultimately, the solution is more democracy. When the MAGA movement denies us the justice we deserve, the people must act as the ultimate jury, turning out to vote for our freedoms, our families, and our futures. Government of the people, by the people, for the people shall, as Lincoln feared, perish from the earth if we as Americans do not prioritize democracy as a litmus-test issue in choosing who is fit to lead us.

Are you, or do you know, an early-career attorney who wants to be on the front lines of protecting and advancing democracy? Law Forward is looking for a two-year legal fellow. This is a chance to work with a phenomenal team and do exciting, meaningful work that can help continue to revitalize Wisconsin democracy. And it'll be fun! Details here: https://lnkd.in/gHgka55f

While no Justices dissented on this order today, Chief Justice Ziegler an Justices R.G. Bradley, Hagedorn, and (now-retired) Roggensack voted in spring 2023 to reappoint Troupis even when his conduct was widely known and our Penebaker complaint had been public for a year. Troupis has never publicly repudiated his role in the fake elector scheme or acknowledged that Joe Biden won the 2020 election. As part of his settlement with us in the Penebaker case, he agreed never to again assist in a scheme to submit fake electoral votes. Troupis, a former circuit court judge, is still an active member in good standing of the Wisconsin State Bar who maintains a practice in Cross Plains. More on his role in the fake elector scheme, which attempted to overrule the will of the people in 2020: https://lnkd.in/g4j6DAPA https://lnkd.in/gxawwUjj

We've been at the forefront of ensuring action is taken against the fake electors and the lawyers who organized them. The recent criminal charges are a good step toward holding those who led the deliberate effort to subvert democracy accountable. https://lnkd.in/gAyjEBSu