Democracy
The Democracy Program seeks to change the ways in which citizens participate in their government by fixing the systems that discourage voting, hinder competition and promote the interests of the few over the rights of the many.
The challenge is great. Built-in obstacles bedevil our democracy. A patchwork of federal, state, and local laws govern campaigns and elections, creating a labyrinth of administrative barriers to voting. And money spent to elect candidates increases with each election cycle. District boundaries, drawn by incumbents who often elevate their personal and partisan power over the interests of their diverse constituents stifles the possibility of meaningful competition between candidates.
Our program collaborates with grassroots groups, advocacy organizations and reform-minded government officials to eliminate these obstacles. We strive to ensure that public policy and institutions reflect the diverse voices and interests that make for a rich, energetic democracy. The Center will advance these goals using tools of research, policy analysis and publications, media outreach and public education, legislative counseling and advocacy and legal action.
Four goals animate our work towards comprehensive reform:
- A voting system in which every vote counts, all citizens are registered, eligibility rules are expansive and turnout increases dramatically. Our voting reform work aims towards universal voter registration.
- An electoral redistricting system that protects civil rights, promotes partisan balance, and preserves real communities.
- A campaign finance system that reduces the role of big money in elections by providing voluntary public financing at the national, state and local levels.
- Fair, impartial courts that protect equal justice, individual rights and the checks and balances essential to the rule of law and promotion of standards to hold judges accountable for unbiased, reasoned and transparent decision-making.
Center for Individual Freedom v. Natalie Tennant
The Brennan Center and other amici and its pro bono partner in defending provisions of West Virginia's disclosure law, arguing that the law is well within the mainstream among states that have adopted similar laws; laws which have been upheld repeatedly by the federal courts.
League of Women Voters of Florida v. Browning
The Brennan Center is working with nonpartisan voter registration groups in Florida to mount a constitutional challenge against Florida’s onerous new restrictions on community-based voter registration drives.
State Of Florida v. United States of America
On May 19th, 2011, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed Florida’s House Bill 1355, a mammoth 158-page omnibus bill, which includes language that restricts the opportunity and ability of citizens and grassroots organizations to conduct voter registration drives by imposing burdensome and wholly unnecessary regulations and red tape, reduces the number of days in the state’s early voting period, and potentially reduce the total of early voting hours, and, makes it impossible for registered voters who have recently moved between Florida counties to provide notice of their change of address on election day and still cast a regular ballot.
A roundup with the latest news highlighting the corrosive nature of money in New York State politics — and the need for public financing and robust campaign finance reform.
Looking Around the World for Inspiration: Voter Registration
Chile modernized its voter registration system this week. But a first-rate democracy like the U.S. still lags behind.
The president's campaign blessing contributions to the Super PAC supporting him is a distraction from the real questions about today’s campaign finance environment.
Illustrations by Risko
Brennan Center Submits Testimony Challenging Florida’s Restrictive Election Law
The Brennan Center for Justice submitted written testimony in advance of today’s U.S. Senate hearing examining Florida’s new election law, H.B. 1355, stating that the law’s onerous restrictions on community-based voter registration drives are unconstitutional and offering solutions for modernizing the state’s voter registration system.
Brennan Center, Justice at Stake Praise Tennessee Judicial Ethics Rules
The Tennessee Supreme Court this week adopted a new Code of Judicial Conduct to prohibit judges from hearing cases involving campaign supporters in which “the judge’s impartiality might reasonably be questioned.”
Joint Statement on Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address
In yesterday's State of the State Address, Governor Andrew Cuomo vowed to lead the push for what could become the most important reform in the nation in 2012: reducing the massive influence of big money in our political system through public financing of elections for New York State.
Letter to Governor Cuomo Calling for Fair Elections in New York State
Coalition of good government, civil rights, environmental, labor, business, religious and grassroots community organizations urge Governor Cuomo to create a public campaign financing program for New York State.
Testimony to ABA Committee on Judicial Disqualification
The Brennan Center testified on proposed amendments to the ABA's model code of judicial conduct regarding judicial disqualifications.
New State Voting Laws II: Protecting the Right to Vote in the Sunshine State
The Brennan Center for Justice submitted written testimony for a U.S. Senate hearing examining Florida’s new election law, H.B. 1355, stating that the law’s onerous restrictions on community-based voter registration drives are unconstitutional and offering solutions for modernizing the state’s voter registration system.
Congress Can Fix the Super PAC Problem
The Florida primary shows why it's time end the farce of "independent" expenditures.
Modernize Florida’s Voting System
In 2012, you can use your iPhone to deposit a check or track your fantasy team, but registering to vote is still stuck in the 19th century. Once again, Florida is in the middle of the war on voting, passing an election law last year that will make it even harder for tens of thousands of citizens to vote.
Growing Backlash Against ‘Citizens United’
We can expect citizens and courts to continue to rally against the case until it ceases to be the law of the land.