Sign in

Jenessa Seymour

@jenessaseymour.bsky.social
174 followers 150 following 128 posts

Follow for voting rights and disability law updates, with a focus on NY election law. Disability voting access advocate, NY Attorney, PhD in neuroscience, former college professor. Posting in my personal capacity, not on behalf of any organization.

PostsRepliesMedia
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION. The deadlines for quite a few states are around 25-30 days before the election, which is coming up FAST. This link shows the deadlines and policies for each state. If you aren’t registered by that day, in most states nothing else will matter. DON’T WAIT
vote.org
Voter Registration Deadlines - Vote.org
Voter registration deadlines for all 50 states. Register now so you can vote in the next election.
000
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Check your voter registration status! Vote 411 is a great non-partisan resource from the League of Women Voters for all kinds of voting rights information. This link will allow you to find the correct government website for your state to check your registration. /1
vote411.org
Check Voter Registration
100
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
And so we wait. All eyes are on the Supreme Court, the only avenue left that could allow the president to use the US Postal Service as a weapon against voters. It cannot be overstated how devastating it would be to allow this “plan” to go forward. Check out our coverage on @openargs.bsky.social
directory.libsyn.com
Supreme Court Says Why Prevent Trump Violating the Constitution Before It Even Happens?
OA1292 - Jenessa takes us through the Supreme Court's 6-3 shadow docket ruling in Trump v. California, which lifted a preliminary injunction blocking Trump's executive order directing the U.S. Postal ...
111
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Most media is not grappling w/ the full gravity of this. It’s about so much more than which party wins. A gerrymandering ban to increase white liberal representation is no answer. Callais rings the death knell for all corrective anti-discrimination policy Web: directory.libsyn.com/episode/inde...
podcasts.apple.com
Callais Is Worse Than You Think. No, Even More Worse. Nope, STILL WORSE THAN THAT.
Podcast Episode · Opening Arguments · May 11 · 1h 5m
162
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
I’ll cover likely impacts & broader context of the Callais decision soon on @openargs.bsky.social. Basically the worst possible outcome. Find our previous coverage of oral arguments in episode 1199 & the Texas redistricting case (will likely be affected) in 1209: directory.libsyn.com/episode/inde...
directory.libsyn.com
They’re Going to End the Voting Rights Act. But at Least We Got to Hear KBJ Murder a Guy in Court
OA1199 - Voting rights expert Jenessa Seymour takes us through this week’s oral arguments in one of the most important cases before the Supreme Court this term: Louisiana v. Callais, which has the pot...
1113
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
If you’re looking for some joy in your life, I know my spirit soared when I read this paper, and recorded this episode with @seriouspod.bsky.social Apple podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s... Overcast: overcast.fm/+AAOqlk-yToE Web browser: directory.libsyn.com/episode/inde...
podcasts.apple.com
SIO508: The Data Shows That Authoritarianism Is Very Often Successfully Reversed. Yes, Really.
Podcast Episode · Serious Inquiries Only · March 31 · 1h 11m
0177
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
I worked really hard on this one! Really appreciate the kind words. Happy to share my outline as well, if anyone wants a written format that lays out the various options for civil and criminal accountability. Don’t forget to check out part 2 (very next ep) to get the full picture!
141
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Our coverage of Louisiana v Callais & Clarke v Newburgh oral arguments. Sorry to say I’m not optimistic. We may be able to preserve pieces of NY law, but it’s possible we’ll hear that no State can protect its own voters, let alone federal. Browser link: directory.libsyn.com/episode/inde... Apple:
podcasts.apple.com
They’re Going to End the Voting Rights Act. But at Least We Got to Hear KBJ Murder a Guy in Court
Podcast Episode · Opening Arguments · 10/17/2025 · 1h 4m
110
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 21/09/2025
This week’s @openargs.bsky.social I cover how states can ensure access to vaccines, despite the CDC & FDA bs. Vaccines save lives, especially for people w/ disabilities. Overcast (below) Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/o... Browser directory.libsyn.com/episode/inde... Or any podcast player
overcast.fm
The Kirkstag Fire — Opening Arguments
OA1191 - In today’s Rapid Response Friday, we examine some of the legal questions raised as the Trump administration throws as much political capital as possible behind the recent assassination of Tur...
021
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Today’s @openargs.bsky.social redistricting in TX, why NY probably won’t join that fight, Trump’s on his bs again about absentee ballots, changes to immigration standards, & a trademarks case Check it out on Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/o... Or Overcast (not a sponsor, just my fav player):
overcast.fm
Republicans Are Messing with Texas — Opening Arguments
OA1184 - The saying pretty explicitly tells us to don’t, and yet here they are not don’ting. This week on Rapid Response Friday: why is a Texas lawmaker filing a habeas petition asking a federal court...
052
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
The EO on homelessness is cruel, not evidence-based, and will hit major legal challenges. Learn more on episode 1180 of @openargs.bsky.social Browser link: directory.libsyn.com/episode/inde...
podcasts.apple.com
Why the Whole Alligator Alcatraz Thing Is Somehow Worse Than It Sounds
Podcast Episode · Opening Arguments · 08/08/2025 · 1h 1m
061
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
Harm-reduction is evidence-based. Housing-first is evidence-based. Involuntary commitment is supposed to be a temporary last resort to save lives, not a back door to imprison people indefinitely without trial or representation. The new ugly laws: So rich people don’t have to see what they’ve done
whitehouse.gov
Ending Crime and Disorder on America's Streets
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: Section 1.  Purpose and
011
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
AJT v Osseo just a solid good decision. Thomas concurrence predictably awful, invites new challenger to dismantle the ADA. Kavanaugh signing on to it is concerning. Sotomayor concurrence was exceptional. Hear me explain the case and discuss how the oral arguments got spicy on @openargs.bsky.social
directory.libsyn.com
When You're So Bad At Your Job, You Make the Supreme Court Look Good By Comparison
OA1171 - Today's episode is a nice, fun departure from the doom and gloom. Oral arguments in a recent SCOTUS case went terribly wrong. And for once, it wasn't the court itself that was looking like a ...
100
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Lawsuit in Rockland County NY is all over social media, but the claims of voter fraud just don’t add up… literally. In Part 1 @seriouspod.bsky.social and I cover the legal/sociopolitical problems with the case… after venting about why election fraud claims just suck in general 😂. Part 2 is math!
directory.libsyn.com
SIO484: Lawsuit Alleges Voting Irregularities in 2024. Is There Any There There?
Part 1: The Legal Stuff Dr. Jenessa Seymour is here to break down something that even our moms are spreading on social media: a group in New York claims to have uncovered discrepancies in the vote cou...
1106
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
New York: Today’s the day! Primary elections are happening in most jurisdictions, 6am - 9pm. It is hot hot hot out there, so bring water, sunscreen, umbrella, etc. It is legal to hand out water to those on line, just no campaign logos! If you experience an accessibility barrier, document it!
000
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
NY: Today is the LAST DAY TO REGISTER for primaries & 1st day of early voting! Outside NYC you can vote at any polling place in your County. In the 5 boroughs your polling place is assigned. Look-up polling places at this link.
voterlookup.elections.ny.gov
Voter Search Screen for VoterLookUp
110
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
David Geier, chosen to study autism at HHS, isn’t just an unqualified pseudoscience promoter, uncommitted to truth. He’s a monster. & no, these facts from Board of Physicians weren’t overturned, per RFK Jrs contortions Hear me rage about it w/ @seriouspod.bsky.social @seriouslydiaonly.bsky.social
sites.libsyn.com
Where There's Woke: WTW84: RFK’s Choice to Head Autism Study? A Total Fraud Who Abused Autistic Kids While Posing as a Doctor
Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. and his second-in-command, Mr. Brain Worm, have appointed a real piece of work to lead the supposed "autism study" that HHS is conducting; and we had to cal...
031
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
NY get ready for the primaries! Local elections only (odd year). Local politics impact your life every day. Roads, sidewalks, utilities, parks, policing, budgets… and then the coroner for some reason. Election Day: June 24 Early Voting: June 14-22 Last day to register: June 14
110
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
NC election case ended about as well as it could have. The obvious winner won, and a federal court (eventually) held that “no you cannot in fact change the voter eligibility rules for an election after the election, can’t believe I have to say this”. That this was ever up for debate should worry you
010
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
NY today 05/20 Most school districts vote for school board seats & budget. May also have library board & budget on same ballot. The contingency budget (if you vote no) saves you like $100 for the entire year, but adds up to huge cuts for the district, so yes on the budget is pretty obvious to me
000
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
New York: Most school districts and libraries will have their board and budget elections May 20. Make sure you’re registered, and request an absentee or early mail ballot ASAP if desired. You will need to work with your board of *education* not the board of elections for this one.
010
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
The horror of the NC Supreme Court case cannot be overstated. Don’t be deceived by headlines focused on all the votes that won’t be challenged b/c Supreme Court ruled less terribly than Appeals Court. They’re still changing the rules for eligibility & proving ID *retroactively* without oral argument
carolinajournal.com
Federal judge orders NC Supreme Court election plan to proceed
A federal judge has ordered the North Carolina State Board of Elections to proceed with a plan the state Supreme Court set out for resolving an election dispute over a seat on the state’s high court. ...
000
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Impossible to do full fact check in 300 characters but debate today full of lies. Claims of “non-citizen voting” almost always *possible* non-citizens who have *never* voted registered b/c of others’ mistakes. Real votes by confirmed non-citizens? The thousands cited falls to tens over entire States
npr.org
6 facts about false noncitizen voting claims and the election
All the available evidence suggests that a miniscule number of noncitizens vote illegally in federal elections and not in numbers that would sway the outcome of any race.
010
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
SAVE Act passes House. B/c it was introduced as a “closed rule” w/ other bills & resolutions, amendments to reduced the harm couldn’t be voted on, saving R’s embarrassment of going on record voting no. Senate could end filibuster at any time, & this would likely pass if only 50 votes were required.
senate.gov
U.S. Senate: Contacting U.S. Senators
100
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
04/07 Congressional Black Caucus spoke on education. GA-7 Rep McBath on the discontinuation of a disability education program affecting multiple States. 8:25:52. Clyburn, CS-6, also gave a moving speech on diversity and education, including his experience with integration in the South. 8:00:35.
m.youtube.com
US House Floor Proceedings (Monday, April 7, 2025)
YouTube video by US House Clerk
000
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
04/01 the weirdest House debate: H. Res. 228. A motion to consider multiple motions, resolutions, and bills, including the SAVE Act, and a motion to somehow prevent the proxy voting rule for new parents in the House ever being voted on. Proxy voting had wide bipartisan support and cosponsors. /1
congress.gov
110
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Please don’t let this rain on your well-deserved Wisconsin victory parade, but the drastic ticket splitting in favor of voter-ID is so disappointing. Possible messaging to those convinced we need voter-ID: A push for free *automatically issued* ID. Lessens the harm and demonstrates the problem?
010
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Biden admin: Lets fund addiction treatment, and crack down on shipments at border crossings. Trump: It would be cheaper if you were dead We made so much progress on substance use disorders. The last thing we need when people are losing jobs, resources, and hope, is nowhere to turn for help.
npr.org
Trump team revokes $11 billion in funding for addiction, mental health care
The Trump administration says it hopes to save $11.4 billion by freezing and revoking COVID-era grants. Addiction experts say clawing back the federal funding is risky and could put patients at risk.
120
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
New EO basically the SAVE Act. Not legal, but I worry States will take excuse to use their real authority to administer elections to engage in severe voter ID crack downs. Never hurts to bring ID to polls. If you can help others get ID, it’s time. League of Women Voters 1 option to spread awareness
npr.org
Trump seeks to mandate proof of citizenship in voter registration
The order tests the power of Trump's authority and would require voters using a federal form to show proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. It's sure to be tested in court.
310
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Check out my appearance on @openargs.bsky.social about Section 504. Call your State AG and ask them why they signed on to a lawsuit that explicitly calls the most important disability rights protections unconstitutional. TX, AK, AL, AR, FL, GA, IN, IA, KS, LA, MO, MT, NE, SC, SD, UT, WV. No excuses.
directory.libsyn.com
How One Lawsuit Targeting Trans Rights Could Undermine Disability Protections for Everyone
OA1141 - Are Republican AGs really trying to have some of the most important federal protections for disability rights declared unconstitutional? Attorney Jenessa Seymour joins to explain the history ...
062
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Decision out of NY’s highest court in Fossella v Adams: non-citizens cannot vote in municipal elections (a small but growing practice in other states). This is based solely on the text of the NYS Constitution and does not affect other States.
politico.com
New York state's top court blocks New York City law to allow noncitizen voting
Most of the court's progressive judges sided with Republicans who sought to nix the law.
110
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Check out my appearance on @openargs.bsky.social to hear more about the SAVE Act. Ultimately Democrats don’t have the votes to stop it on their own, but peeling off 2 Republicans in the House should not be out of reach if Dems hold the line. Call your Representatives!!
directory.libsyn.com
The SAVE Act Could Disenfranchise Millions of Voters. Democrats Must Stop It.
Brought to you by Trade Coffee! Get 40% off your first order with Trade at OA1136 and T3BE62- Matt swings by a Wednesday episode, and we welcome Dr. Jenessa Seymour as well! Jenessa is a disability v...
094
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
SAVE Act is a 5 alarm fire. Many cannot produce a birth certificate or passport to register, including married women who have changed their names. Voter registration drives would be impossible. I hope it is controversial enough to stop Republicans nuking the filibuster but Trump is pushing it hard
campaignlegal.org
What You Need to Know About the SAVE Act
463
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Why halt Stefanik? House is at 218-215, slimmest majority since 1931, w/ 2 FL vacancies to be filled in Apr 1 elections. Both went 66% to R’s in 2024, so hard for D’s but maybe not impossible. Stefanik has yet to resign (won by 58%). If her seat flips, 217-218 in D’s favor is unlikely but possible.
politico.com
Elise Stefanik’s UN posting is on ice
Senate Republicans are holding back on her confirmation amid concerns about the tight House majority.
210
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
The legal consequences of the North Carolina election lawsuit *may* be confined to NC, but attempting to retroactively throw out voters who did everything they were told was necessary by the Board of Elections undermines the very concept of democracy. The NC Supreme Court must do the right thing.
abc11.com
NC undecided race | Judge upholds close Supreme Court election result, but more legal steps are expected | abc11.com
North%20Carolina%20judge%20upholds%20close%20Supreme%20Court%20election%20result%2C%20but%20more%20legal%20steps%20are%20expected
010
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 16/02/2025
Whatever happens with Adams, he’s up in primary. Too late to change party if already registered. June deadlines: -9: Change of address* -14: Registration, absentee app online or by mail -14-22: Early voting -23: Apply for absentee in-person -24: Election Day, postmark or hand-deliver absentee
elections.ny.gov
Register to Vote
New Yorkers can register to vote and update voter information online in just a few easy steps.
100
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Day 1 Trump revoked a Biden order that required federal agencies to assist in voter registration and provide voting rights info to those seeking services (e.g.: VA), and helped states and the fed share info for ease of registration. It will be hard to measure the impact of this lost cooperation
100
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
3 cases could show the power of NY's new Voting Rights Act to prevent discrimination, or lead SCOTUS to hold state protection against racial discrimination is "reverse racism" (broadening SFA v Harvard). Big money is betting on the 2nd. Clarke v Newburgh Serratto v Mount Pleasant Young v Cheektowaga
100
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Keep an eye on the latest Texas v Becerra (yes there are many). If you make it to page 37 of the complaint, they’re arguing all of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is unconstitutional, not just Becerra’s order about gender. Section 504 is the lynchpin of disability rights in federal law.
310
Jenessa Seymour @jenessaseymour.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
Fossella v Adams heard 2/11 at the NY Court of Appeals (our highest court). NYC law allows greencard holders & Dreamers to vote in municipal elections. NYC is not the first city to do so. At issue: Can the city allow people to vote in city-only elections who are ineligible at state & federal levels
110