From KCRW in Santa Monica and PRI, Public Radio International, this is To the Point.

The Voting Wars. Who's winning? Who's losing?

Hello again. I'm Orwin Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International. A daily look at the issues. Americans care about most.

Republicans say it's often too easy to cast a ballot, and they've enacted requirements to control voter fraud.

Democrats say voting's not easy enough, and the GOP rules are designed to keep poor and minority citizens away from the polls.

Three weeks before the midterm elections, courts have been ruling on photo

ID early voting and same-day registration. In just 10 days, the U.S. Supreme Court intervened three

times. It might do so again. We'll hear what's at stake for tight races in several key states.

Today's talking point, the Vatican stuns Catholics with openness toward gays and

lesbians. First, here's the news. Listen to KCRW's 24-hour all-news channel. Stream BBC World

Service, NPR and KCRW programs. Continuous coverage and accessible via our smartphone app or online at kCRW.

Support for To The Point comes from the members of KCRW and from the Public Radio International

Program Fund. Hello again, Mormon. I'll need back with To the Point. There's three weeks before

the November elections, Democrats and Republicans are still battling

over voting laws in several key states. We'll hear how court actions on voter ID and other

restrictions could make a big difference in Washington and to potential voters around the country.

Today's talking point, for the first time in the history of the Church of Rome, gays, lesbians,

and same-sex couples have been discussed by a

synod of bishops. For some Catholic leaders, it's a welcome change. For others, it's a betrayal.

First is news update. Top defense officials from 21 countries are meeting today in Washington

to discuss strategy against the so-called Islamic State, ISIS, or ISIL. But some major players are missing the government of Syria, any of its opponents, or its

most important neighbor, Turkey. Josh Rogan reports for the Daily Beast. Hi, Jog, good to

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