I’ve blogged here and here about Simmons v. Galvin, a First Circuit felon disenfranchisement case. After the losing plaintiffs filed a petition for cert., the state waived its right to respond. On February 26, however, the Supreme Court asked Mass. to respond to the cert. petition. I think this means that at least one Justice wants to consider granting cert. in this case. As my first linked post shows, this is an issue in which Justice Sotomayor may have a particular interest.
As my second linked post shows, the issue is also pending in the Ninth Circuit. The Supreme Court docket notes a letter sent to the Court in the Galvin case, and I understand that in that letter Massachusetts officials have notified the Court about the 9th Circuit calling for briefs on possible en banc review in Farrakhan, and suggested that a ruling there could remove the Circuit split on the issue.
Thanks to a reader for pointing me to these developments.