A major U.S. Supreme Court ruling that rejects the most extreme version of a once-fringe legal theory has eased the anxiety of many election watchers across the country.
In a 6-3 opinion from an unusual lineup of both conservative and liberal justices, the court's majority confirmed Tuesday that — contrary to what's known as the "independent state legislature theory" — state lawmakers' power under the U.S. Constitution to control how congressional elections are run can be checked and balanced by state courts and state constitutions.
