Voting Rights and Democracy
American democracy has rarely been under such strain as in the past decade. Republicans have passed laws to make voting harder, enacted ludicrous gerrymanders to consolidate GOP power, and sought to overturn elections in which they were soundly defeated. These actions threaten the rule of law and U.S. political stability. At the same time, reformers have had some success in pushing back against antidemocratic measures and enacting measures to expand civic participation and create a more responsive government. Below, we explain what’s at stake in the battle over U.S. democracy, outline strategies for donors, and offer tips for getting started in your giving.
Why Donating for Voting Rights and Democracy is Important
America’s democracy is currently facing unprecedented direct assaults, from laws and legal challenges aimed at suppressing or diluting votes to attacks on elected officials by violent conspiracy theorists. At the same time, much of the public is disenchanted with an electoral system that offers voters too few real choices and fuels polarization and gridlock. These growing problems make it harder to achieve gains in important policy areas, and in a worst-case scenario, could metastasize into authoritarian rule or a breakdown of political order. No matter what issue donors care about, they need to be concerned with strengthening U.S. democracy and the ability of government to advance the common good.
Where to Donate for Voting Rights and Democracy
Organizations focused on protecting and strengthening electoral systems. Donors must first and foremost invest in shoring up the democratic system in the short term. This means supporting legal efforts to push back on unfounded claims of fraud as well as challenging unfair election laws. Funding for this strategy should also go to groups focused on making voting easier and more accessible, advocating for policies like expanded early voting, automatic and same day registration, and the repeal of felony disenfranchisement laws. On the legal side, donors can support the Brennan Center for Justice, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Demos and Campaign Legal Center. All four groups engage in litigation, research and policy advocacy.
Organizing for a more expansive and inclusive democracy. Low-income people, communities of color and young people participate in elections and civic life at lower levels than the general public. To create a more representative democracy and advance progressive change, donors should invest in organizations that work to engage these voters. Groups like Community Change and Center for Popular Democracy both work with and support grassroots groups and leaders throughout the country, with a focus on working class communities of color. Donors can also support the Voter Participation Center and its c4 arm, the Center for Voter Information, which work to increase turnout among “new American majority” voters, as well as support groups focused on young voters, such as NextGen America and TurnUp.
Groups advocating for democratic reforms. A range of reforms can help create a democracy that is more responsive, offering voters more choices and fostering fairer outcomes as well as increased trust in our electoral system. Donors can support FairVote, which advocates for ranked choice voting and proportional representation, and has already had some success at the state and local levels; and Unite America, which focuses on independent redistricting, primary reform, as well as instant runoff voting.
For Donors Getting Started
Learn more about the issue. Donors can learn more about voting and democracy issues by reading reports, briefs and blog posts on the websites of many of the organizations listed above, especially research-oriented groups like the Brennan Center and Demos. The Funders Committee for Civic Participation and the Democracy Funders Network are also great resources, and larger donors may consider becoming members of these networks. In addition, donors should check out Inside Philanthropy’s white paper “Giving for Democracy and Civic Life.”
Make giving even easier with an intermediary. For donors interested in getting started right away without too much legwork, intermediaries are a great option for getting funds to key places. Movement Voter Fund offers a way to fund state and local groups engaged in electoral organizing and power-building to create a more representative democracy and push back against right-wing extremism.
Make sure you understand the different types of nonprofits and political groups, and what that means for your giving. The examples we cited above include different types of organizations, from standard 501(c)(3)s to the more politically minded (c)(4)s, as well as the potential for PACs, 527s, and political campaigns. Donors should read up on the different limits and tax incentives when it comes to giving to these groups, especially if you’re looking to give through a foundation.
Think about your giving in the bigger picture. A strong democracy and trusted electoral system are foundational requirements for progress on any number of issues. Donors who haven’t funded in this area, or see democracy issues as outside their interests, should take a wider view of how to advance their values. Donors who already support work on voting and elections should consider ramping up their giving during this period of growing threats to U.S. democracy.