Crush of lawsuits over voting in multiple states creates a shadow war for the 2024 election

By CHRISTINE FERNANDO
Associated Press

CHICAGO (AP) — As President Joe Biden and Donald Trump step up their campaigning in swing states, a quieter battle is taking place in the shadows of their White House rematch. The Republican National Committee, newly reconstituted under Trump, has filed lawsuits in nearly half the states targeting voting and various aspects of election administration. It’s not a new strategy. But with recent internal changes at the RNC and added pressure from Trump, the legal maneuvering is expected to play an increasingly significant role for the party as Election Day in November approaches. The lawsuits are useful for campaign messaging, fundraising and raising doubts about the validity of the election.