Wednesday, November 16
8:00pm ET ·  7:00pm CT ·  6:00pm MT ·  5:00pm PT

Experts say an extreme interpretation of the Constitution in this North Carolina redistricting case would make it even easier for state legislatures to suppress the vote, draw gerrymandered election districts, and subvert election results, among other concerns. At issue is a fringe legal ploy, the so-called “independent state legislature theory,” which has never been accepted by American courts.

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on the case on December 7th. UUSJ feels so strongly about this matter, we have joined the Amicus Brief, led by the Campaign Legal Center. While the Moore case will not affect the 2022 election voting maps, it could have profound implications for the freedom to vote — and having those votes count equally in future elections — including the 2024 presidential cycle. 

Becky Harper of Common Cause NC  – also a long-time member of UU Fellowship of Raleigh, NC – will discuss arguments by NC lawmakers advancing the theory, the case’s potential impact on our elections, and what Unitarian Universalists can do to fight back. Becky will be joined by an attorney from the Southern Coalition for Social Justice involved with the case.

Learn More with Common Cause, NC

Overview Resources: 

• An Amicus Brief to the Supreme Court, joined by UUSJ, prepared by the Campaign Legal Center
• A joint briefing by the Common Cause, Harper, and League of Conservation Voters respondents in Moore v. Harper.
• A 2-minute video via YouTube, by the Brennan Center
• A 2-minute video via YouTube by Common Cause NC
• What Voters Need to Know About the Independent State Legislature Theory, by the Campaign Legal Center
• Analysis: How the ‘Independent State Legislature Theory’ Might Change Our Elections, the Brennan Center
• 5 Things to Know about the Next Big Voting Rights Case, by Common Cause
• What is the inde­pend­ent state legis­lature “theory”?, by the Brennan Center
• All 50 chief justices urge U.S. Supreme Court to reject NC legislative case, FOX8
• Truthout Op-ED: Our Voting Rights Are at Stake in Upcoming Supreme Court Ruling
• Former Attorney General Eric Holder on the case: NC case at Supreme Court ‘should keep every American up at night.