Last week, Trump issued a sweeping (and unlawful) executive order to try and seize control of state elections. It's a reminder: the attacks on voting rights aren't slowing down. But while extremists scheme, we're stopping bad bills, passing bold reforms, and protecting voters—state by state.
Hi Pamela,
Right now, politicians in multiple states are working to suppress votes and undermine democracy—but we're fighting back, and we're winning.
Across the country, Common Cause is leading the charge to protect and expand voting rights. We're securing major victories in state legislatures, blocking anti-voter bills, and pushing for reforms that make our democracy stronger.
Here's a look at what we've been up to the last few weeks:
- 🍑In Georgia, we just defeated a major voter suppression bill that would have made it even harder to vote by limiting absentee ballots, restricting drop boxes, and giving partisan officials more control over elections. Thanks to grassroots pressure, lawmakers backed down—and the people won.
- 🤠In Texas, we're fighting to modernize voting access by pushing for online voter registration (something Texas still doesn't allow) and stopping a bizarre bill to ban county and state employees from handing out voter registration forms.
- 🌲In Oregon, we helped defeat a voter suppression bill that would have rolled back mail voting—threatening the state's long-standing vote-by-mail system. Now, we're pushing forward with a bold proposal to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections, ensuring young people have a say in the decisions that impact their education.
- 🦀In Maryland, we're helping advance a state-level Voting Rights Act to stop voter suppression before it happens, expand language access, and ensure communities of color can challenge unfair election policies. The bill has already passed the Senate and is making it's way through the House!
- 🏔️In North Carolina, Common Cause is taking on extreme gerrymandering and voter suppression pushed by ultra-rich donors trying to keep corporate-backed politicians in power. We've already sued to stop these attacks—and we'll see them in court this summer.
- 🌽In Indiana, we stopped two dangerous bills—one that would have cut early voting in half and another that would have blocked independent voters from primaries. These victories keep elections accessible for all Hoosiers.
- 🦆In Minnesota, we're fighting for fair election maps by creating an independent process to draw districts—so politicians can't rig the system to keep themselves in power.
- ☀️In New Mexico, we're working to open up elections so independent voters can participate in primaries without having to change their party registration. More voices, more choices, stronger democracy.
- 🚵In Colorado, we're leading the charge to pass a state Voting Rights Act that protects voters of color, LGBTQ+ voters & other groups, expands multilingual ballots, and stops election policies that harm marginalized communities.
- ⚓In Massachusetts, we're pushing for same-day voter registration so no one is turned away from voting just because they missed an arbitrary deadline.
- 🐊In Florida, we're leading the fight against a massive power grab that would strip voters of their right to pass citizen-led amendments to the constitution—one of the few ways Floridians can make change when politicians refuse to act.
- 🏛️In Virginia, we're working to restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated people, ensuring a fair and transparent process that doesn't leave thousands shut out of our democracy.
- 🚢In Connecticut, we're making sure expanded mail-in voting—which voters overwhelmingly approved—gets fully implemented, so people have more options to cast their ballots.
The message is clear: While Congress stalls, states can lead. We don't have to wait for federal action—we can pass bold reforms that protect voters and make democracy stronger.
State-level action is how we protect voting rights now and for the future. By winning in Florida and across the country, we can build a stronger, more inclusive democracy from the ground up.
We've proven that progress is possible. Let's keep up the fight—for Florida, and for democracy nationwide.
Thank you for standing with us,
Heather Ferguson, Director of State Operations
and the team at Common Cause
P.S. Our fight for democracy in Florida is powered by people like you. Every contribution helps us defend voting rights, hold politicians accountable, and push for bold reforms. If you're able, consider chipping in today to support our work in Florida >>
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