As already noted, on August 14, the Fifth Circuit agreed with a lower court that Louisiana’s legislative district boundaries violate the federal Voting Rights Act. Nairne v Landry, 24-30115. On August 15, the state asked for a stay.

On August 19, the groups that brought the lawsuit filed this brief, arguing against a stay. They mention that the next legislative elections in Louisiana are in 2027, and that if an indefinite stay is issued, chances of new districts being in place for the 2027 are threatened.

On August 16, the Service Employees International Union held a California gubernatorial debate in Sacramento. It was not broadcast, except internally to various SEIU meeting halls. Seven candidates participated, including Butch Ware, the Green Party candidate. The other participants were all Democrats: Toni Atkins, Xavier Becerra, Stephen Cloobeck, Katie Porter, Tony Thurmond, and Betty Yee.

The SEIU invited certain other candidates, but they declined. One of the candidates who declined is Steve Hilton, the Republican who is near the top of polls. Another who declined is Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa.

On August 21, the New Jersey Green Party submitted 2,434 signatures on its substitute gubernatorial petition. New Jersey is the only state that requires an entire new petition when the group that had submitted the original petition needs to replace the original candidate. The requirement is 2,000 signatures for statewide office. The Green Party original gubernatorial candidate dropped out because of health reasons.