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Supreme Court Striking Down Fringe Independent State Legislature Theory Is A ‘Victory For Democracy’ Says NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan

News Category: Statements and Press Releases

For Immediate Release:

June 27, 2023

Contact: Jonathon Dworkin (NewDEAL), 202-660-1340 x5, jonathon@newdealleaders.org

Supreme Court Striking Down Fringe Independent State Legislature Theory Is A ‘Victory For Democracy’ Says NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan

Washington, D.C. - The Supreme Court today rejected North Carolina Republicans’ independent state legislature theory, which sought to give state legislatures near-unlimited authority to decide the rules for federal elections. In response to the 6-3 ruling, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan released the following statement:

“Today, the Supreme Court struck down the ridiculous independent state legislature theory put forward by extreme Republicans as an obvious power grab. This decision is a victory for democracy.

“It is outrageous to think that state legislatures can create election laws that cannot be reviewed by state courts. The events leading up to and on January 6, 2021 demonstrated clearly that some people in this country, including in leadership positions, would go to great lengths to subvert American democracy. This is why NewDEAL joins other pro-democracy, pro-voting groups around the nation in celebrating today’s ruling.

“Rather than undermine our democratic system, NewDEAL urges state legislatures to strengthen and protect our democracy, including by protecting election works, promoting election transparency, and making voting more accessible. Earlier this year, the NewDEAL Forum released its Democracy Playbook containing more than 40 recommendations to bolster our democratic institutions through laws and policies related to election integrity, voting rights, and civic engagement.”

About NewDEAL

NewDEAL is a network of about 200 state and local officials -- statewide officials, legislators, mayors, council members, and other local leaders across the country -- who are pro-growth progressives. The organization brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable. NewDEAL’s Honorary Co-Chairs are U.S. Senator Chris Coons and U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland.