PLEDGE TO ACTTHE DEMOCRACY MOVEMENT IN Washington, DC
MAKE AN IMPACT FOR DEMOCRACY
Democracy starts with each of us—and together, we can make a major impact when we speak up for what’s right. We know the ultimate power in a democracy is the people. We are powerful, fearless, ordinary Americans working together to build a democracy that works for us all.
Take action! Join in the democracy work of the organizations below:
LEARN ABOUT NEW VOTING AND ELECTION BILS IN WASHINGTON, DC
An online database created by the Brennan Center has all the most recent information on restrictive and expansive voting bills that are being proposed or have passed in your state. Make sure to stay up-to-date!
VISIT A ‘ONE-STOP-SHOP’ FOR ELECTION INFO: VOTE411.org for Washington, DC
VOTE411 is a “one-stop-shop” for election information created by League of Women Voters. Get your Personalized Voting Information to find your polling place, see what’s on your ballot, check your voter registration, learn ID requirements, and much more!
VOLUNTEER AT THE POLLS IN Washington, DC
An online portal developed by the Fair Elections Center to share state by state information on poll worker requirements and applications for each state.
LEARN WHERE THE POLITICAL MONEY COMES FROM IN Washington, DC
A searchable database by Open Secrets with profiles showing you who’s making the big political contributions in your state, as well as where the money’s coming from.
LEARN HOW DEMOCRACY REFORMS BECOME LAW IN Washington, DC
Twenty-six states, including Washington, DC, allow citizen-led ballot initiatives and have a process for citizens to get measures on the ballot to be voted on to become law. This means that a group of citizens may place a measure on the ballot through gathering signatures, and, in some states, getting legislative approval once the set number of signatures is reached. LEARN MORE!
Washington, DC DEMOCRACY REFORM AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL IS POSSIBLE TOO!
Learn more about the Freedom to Vote Act.
Urgent Action
GUARD YOUR OWN VOTE!
The right to vote and have our voices heard is fundamental to our democracy. Our democracy is stronger when every eligible American participates, confident that when they cast a vote that it will be counted as cast. Make sure you are registered to vote and know where your polling place is located!
VOLUNTEER TO PROTECT THE VOTE!
Join Common Cause’s Election Protection program makes sure eligible voters know how to cast their ballots and ensure they are counted. Sign up to help voters — by monitoring polling places, contacting voters, watchdogging social media for disinformation, and more!
Success Stories
The partisan divide over statehood for Washington, D.C.
Residents of D.C. pay federal taxes – more, per capita than any state. They can vote for a president, but they have no voting representation in Congress. Last spring, the U.S. House passed a bill to grant statehood to Washington, D.C. The measure is unlikely to survive the Senate, but the issue is not about to die.
Supreme Court Turns Away Bid For D.C. Voter Representation in Congress
The Supreme Court turned away an appeal to give District of Columbia residents a voting member in the House of Representatives, affirming a lower court’s decision.