LWV Declares United States in a “Constitutional Crisis”
April 23, 2025
A friend called me to congratulate us – the League of Women Voters – for taking action in the face of this unprecedented constitutional crisis. To understand the urgency of this time, you should watch the PBS News Hour April 18 episode (32 minutes in) where the League was acknowledged for our work and the dangers we face are explained. Here is our announcement:
LWV Declares United States in a “Constitutional Crisis,” Announces New Initiative to Mobilize Voters
Starting May 1, the League will launch the Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative, which aims to mobilize 8.5 million voters using the power of voter engagement as a cornerstone of our democracy. Unite and Rise 8.5 will showcase the many ways voters can drive change, including through advocacy, mobilization, civic education, and engagement. The initiative is part of LWV’s Women Defend Democracy campaign.
I was particularly struck by David Brooks’ call for a civic uprising. All sectors, he said, must get together with a clear, simple message of the power of democracy – through lawsuits, protests, boycotts, strikes and nonviolent protest.
Speaking of lawsuits, I will give you a quick update on the League of Women Voters of Utah v. Utah State Legislature. We expect Judge Dianna Gibson to rule soon as she has asked the parties to submit supplementary briefings. Of course, we hope she will enjoin the congressional map and order a new one. It is, however, very possible that we will be facing additional court hearings. We will let you know as soon as we do.
In May, our Legislature will begin Interim session and we encourage our members to get involved. The Legislative Action Corps can help you monitor committees and contact your representatives. The threats to our voting system are real. Whether you are passionate about the environment, civil rights, or education, we need you to help us.
The LWVUS is asking us to attend town halls, whether in-person or virtual. Turn up the heat and make Congress accountable to the people. We are hoping to start using League in Action regularly, so please upload the app from our website now to get started.
LWVUS has sent out some actions that we can take individually now. Please look them over.
The SAVE Act — passed the House last week
Thank and Spank: Members should use a NEW action alert to the US House, which allows them to “thank” those that voted against it and “spank” those that voted in favor.
Keep using our action alert (now directed only at senators), talking points, and letter-to-the-editor template to pressure your senators to vote against this bill.
May 1 National Action
Leagues are invited to join the May Day actions around the country.
Litigation updates
Conley v. Hirsch
On April 14, LWVNC challenged an order that requires the North Carolina State Board of Elections to throw out certain votes in the 2024 NC supreme court election between Allison Riggs and Jefferson Griffin. LWVNC is seeking a ruling that requires all votes to be counted.
League of Women Voters Education Fund v. Trump
On Thursday, April 17, the district court held a hearing on our motion for a preliminary injunction in our challenge to the Elections Executive Order.
Check out the Legal Center for more.
The critical redistricting case Louisiana v. Callais was heard by SCOTUS on March 24. A decision is expected in June but could be announced anytime between now and the end of the term.
An analysis of the argument by SCOTUSblog is here.
Read our amicus brief here.
Read our legal center case here.
Celina posted about this case from her Bluesky account (@thecelinafactor.bsky.social)
— Katharine Biele, LWV Utah President
