Grassroots activists are urging ex-offenders with felony convictions to vote. A detailed article highlighting the activists' efforts appeared in today's Washington Post. The Post article focuses mainly on efforts to urge ex-offenders in Florida to vote. Ex-offenders in Florida with felony convictions are now eligible to vote thanks to a law passed in 2006, which allows non-violent ex-offenders with felony convictions to vote if they have completed probation, paid restitution, and do not have any charges pending.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church v. Unswort, a challenge to Montana's election campaign reporting laws. The Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church held an event in May 2004, and during which the Rev. B.G. Stumberg urged parishioners to sign petitions at the church in support of a constitutional ban on gay marriages. Advocates filed a complaint arguing that the church inappropriately held an event to support a political cause subject to the state's political contribution reporting requirements.

A new 527 group called The Real Truth About Obama, Inc. ("RTAO"), has filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and the Department of Justice to prevent them from enforcing FEC reporting rules for political committees. RTAO plans to run issue ads examining the Democratic presidential candidate's position on abortion and other policy positions issues.

The Brennan Center for Justice, along with pro bono law firms filed a lawsuit in Albuquerque challenging a New Mexico law that makes it difficult for groups to conduct voter registration drives. According to the press release, the state law is "an unconstitutional burden on free speech and association by impeding civic groups from helping eligible voters to register."