A Kansas lawsuit challenging newly enacted state election laws, which some civic groups say are aimed at suppressing the vote among minorities and others, is being fiercely fought in state court as filings aimed at competing motions, including a preliminary injunction motion and a newly filed defendants’ dismissal motion, continue to mount.

Briefing on both sides was just completed for the plaintiffs’ injunction motion lodged by civic groups who say an aspect of the laws—that volunteers could be charged with a felony for “appearing ” to be an election official when aiding or informing voters—will “ chill” them from helping marginalized community members vote. Meanwhile, Kansas’ secretary of state and attorney general, the defendants in the action, are trying to dismiss the entire 52-page suit by arguing that the civic groups lack standing and that they have brought baseless claims.