Democracy

As part of LCV’s Democracy work, LCV has developed a network-wide advocacy program to advance state and local policies protecting and promoting equitable democracy and voting rights. LCV advances pro-voter and pro-democracy policy priorities aimed at closing the racial voter participation gap with our strategic investments in state and local advocacy and legislation.

For far too long, restrictive voting laws and right-wing partisan gerrymandering have distorted our democracy, disproportionately suppressing voters especially and not limited to voters of color and naturalized citizens, voters who use English as a secondary language, youth and elderly voters, voters with disabilities, and voters who live in low-income communities. LCV is fighting at the local, state and federal levels for a country where every voter can participate equitably in our democracy, and where the people’s voices aren’t drowned out by big polluters’ money. A healthy democracy and a healthy environment are inextricably linked, and reforming our democracy means fighting for the power of the overwhelming majority of people in this country who want to see meaningful action on climate change.

Environmental laws are only as strong as the judges who enforce them.

LCV supports pro-environment, pro-democracy judges at every level of the federal and state courts. In addition, we support expanding and rebalancing the United States Supreme Court to include four additional seats for justices who will work for the people, not deep-pocketed polluters and their allies. Our nation’s highest court has been packed by far-right interests waging an unprecedented judicial assault on our environment, our democracy, our equality, and our reproductive rights. Without a deliberate rebalancing, the Supreme Court — with its justices who serve for life — is positioned to continue imposing an extremist agenda for a generation to come.

We can’t have a healthy environment without a healthy democracy. Now it is more important than ever to defend the rule of law and combat election sabotage, disinformation, and blatant voter suppression efforts intended to further exclude the communities who face the most devastation from the climate crisis and environmental injustice. Time and time again, these are communities of color and low-wealth communities.

In addition, we are fighting to keep our elections free and fair by helping fill the national gap of technologically and culturally adept poll workers. Poll workers across the nation play a critical role in safeguarding our elections and ensuring the right to a secure, fair and accessible vote in all communities. From keeping polling places running smoothly to answering voters’ questions to counting ballots, they play critical roles in ensuring every eligible voter is able to register, vote, and feel confident that their vote counted.

Voting rights are under attack by conservative legislators and judges, January 6th conspirators continue to scheme to sabotage our elections, and corporations continue to funnel millions of dollars towards rampant disinformation and proponents of the Big Lie. LCV knows we must fight for the fundamental principle that every vote must be counted.

LCV is fighting for more transparency in our elections. Undisclosed and unlimited secret campaign contributions from fossil fuel interests threaten both our environment and our democracy. They distort our politics, drowning out communities of color and communities with low wealth who are most impacted by the climate crisis and pollution.