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 can dates.
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.
League of Women Voters of Florida v. Browning
Case challenging restrictions on third-party voter registration drives.
This case is the sixth challenge to Arizona’s optional system of full public financing for people seeking state office.
North Carolina Right to Life Committee Fund for Independent Political Expenditures v. Leake
The Brennan Center is intervening to help defend the nation’s first voluntary full public financing program for judicial elections.
What’s in a Name? Frankly, a Pretty Big Political Favor
Two weeks ago, state Sen. Frank Padavan received extra credit—quite inappropriately—from Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein when a cluster of public schools in Bellerose, Queens, was renamed for him....
The Show Me State – today lawmakers in Missouri are expected to vote on a constitutional amendment that would require voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote....
The Public Financing Landscape
The Fourth Circuit recently delivered some good news for public financing advocates…
Illustrations by Risko
Election Protection Off to a Great Start Assisting
Nearly 400 Hotline Calls So Far Reporting Primary Election Barriers.
Brennan Center Lauds Federal Election Day Registration Bill
The Election Day Registration bill introduced by Senators Feingold and Klobuchar, and Representative Ellison would allow citizens to register to vote for all federal elections by registering on Election Day at polling places.
Federal Appeals Court Upholds North Carolina’s Judicial Public Funding Law
Fourth Circuit Panel Affirms Dismissal: State citizens concerned about fair and impartial courts celebrated a major victory today in their defense of the state’s landmark public funding program for appellate court candidates.
Association of Paroling Authorities International Resolution in Favor of Voting Rights Restoration
Resolution endorses restoring voting rights and encourages paroling authorities to participate in the passage and implementation of laws that engage former offenders in the civic discourse.
Letter in Support of H.R. 5803
Letter in support of H.R. 5803, the Back Up Paper Ballot Bill.
EAC Voting Advocate Roundtable
Responses to discussion questions during voting advocate rountable discussion.
Proof of Citizenship Requirements; Chart of State Legislation
In the most recent session (2007–2008), legislators in 19 different states have proposed proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration. The chart here, last updated on 5/12/2008, sets forth the known bills and their current status.
New York Set a Shameful Example
Gov. David Paterson’s unsurprising answer to the $55,900 question—whether or not to abide by his predecessor’s self-imposed $10,000 campaign contribution limit—was met with mostly shrugs last week, with the notable exception of the editorial page of this paper.
Florida: a Tough Place to Cast a Ballot
Florida is courting electoral trouble. Heading toward another presidential election, state officials are making it increasingly difficult for citizens to vote, according to Miami Herald editorial.