RELEASE: Communities Come Together To Call On Congress To Protect Voting Rights
Today, the Declaration for American Democracy coalition recognized the communities across the country that have been vocal on the need to pass transformative democracy legislation. In February, several Members of Congress addressed their constituents to reaffirm their support for the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act at in-district democracy roundtables, with several more currently in the planning stages in the coming weeks.
RELEASE: DFAD Thanks President Biden for Prioritizing Federal Democracy Reform
We thank President Biden for putting democracy front and center in his extremely strong speech, and urge him to follow up his words with action to protect our freedom to vote.
RELEASE: At White House, Advocates Urged Biden to Reprioritize Democracy In 2024
We thank President Biden for putting democracy front and center in his extremely strong speech, and urge him to follow up his words with action to protect our freedom to vote.
RELEASE: DFAD Thanks President Biden for Speaking Out For Democracy
We thank President Biden for putting democracy front and center in his extremely strong speech, and urge him to follow up his words with action to protect our freedom to vote.
RELEASE: The Declaration for American Democracy Coalition Celebrates Introduction of John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 19, 2023 ***Press Statement*** On Tuesday September 19th, U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 14). This bill would help realize the promise of American democracy by restoring,...
RELEASE: The Declaration for American Democracy Coalition Celebrates Introduction of Freedom to Vote Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 18, 2023 ***Press Statement*** The Declaration for American Democracy Coalition Celebrates Introduction of Freedom to Vote Act On Tuesday July 18th, U.S. Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the Freedom to...
DFAD Applauds the Michigan Legislature for the Introduction of the Michigan Voting Rights Act, calls for swift passage
For Immediate Release: June 23, 2023 Statement from Allison Pulliam and Christine Wood, Co-Directors of the Declaration for American Democracy—a coalition of more than 260 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good...
MEMO: Election Results Demonstrate Continued Need for Transformational Democracy Legislation
While Election Day may have been a “good day for democracy,” the challenges to our election system are accelerating During his post-election news conference, President Joe Biden declared that Election Day was a “good day for democracy.” Certainly, the thousands of poll workers,...
Statement on Failure of Senate to Advance Debate on the DISCLOSE Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 22, 2022Contact: Linda Zhang, lzhang@mrss.com Declaration for American Democracy Statement on Failure of Senate to Advance Debate on the DISCLOSE Act Washington, DC -- Today, the Declaration for American Democracy — a coalition of over 250+...
Declaration for American Democracy Coalition Urges Senate To Take Up DISCLOSE Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 20, 2022 Contacts: Katie Andriulli, kandriulli@mrss.com Declaration for American Democracy Coalition Urges Senate To Take Up DISCLOSE Act President Biden delivered a powerful speech today endorsing the passage of the DISCLOSE Act, which the...
Biden Must Reaffirm His Commitment to Using Full Power of the Presidency to Protect Americans’ Freedom to Vote in Upcoming State of the Union Address
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy—a coalition of nearly 250 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, business and many other important communities—ahead of...
Senate Denies the American People the Freedom to Vote
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy—a coalition of more than 240 organizations representing tens of millions of Americans nationwide—in response to today’s unsuccessful vote to change Senate rules: “Senate Republicans and two misguided...
Senate Republican Blockade of Up or Down Vote on the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act is a Rejection of All Americans’ Freedom to Vote
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy—a coalition of more than 240 organizations representing tens of millions of Americans nationwide— in response to the Senate’s cloture vote on the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act: “Senate...
Declaration for American Democracy: Manchin Must ‘Protect the People Against their Rulers’ by Passing the Freedom to Vote: John Lewis R. Act
“Today, Senator Manchin reiterated a quote from James Madison saying that the purpose of the Senate is 'first, to protect the people against their rulers.' That is exactly what Americans are asking Senator Manchin to do by passing the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. “Voters...
National Pro-Democracy Coalition Calls On Senate Democrats To Hold The Floor Until The Freedom To Vote Act: John R. Lewis Act Is Passed
WASHINGTON, DC—Tonight, members and partners of the Declaration for American Democracy (DFAD) issued a joint call for Senate Democrats to hold the Senate floor and have a robust and extended debate until they pass this critical legislation. Jana Morgan, director of the DFAD...
Voting Rights Activists Host 80+ Local Actions Nationwide on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to Demand Passage of Legislation to Protect the Freedom to Vote
Activists organize rallies across the country to demand the Senate pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act to deliver voting rights to all Americans Washington, DC (January 17, 2022)—Today, in solidarity with the King Family, voting rights activists have organized 80+...
Declaration for American Democracy Calls on Senator Sinema to be on the Right Side of History: Prioritize Americans’ Freedom to Vote Over Outdated & Dysfunctional Senate Rules
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy—a coalition of more than 240 organizations representing tens of millions of Americans nationwide— in response to Senator Sinema’s remarks today on the Senate floor: “Over the coming days, Senator...
Declaration for American Democracy Applauds the House for Swiftly Passing the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act
Statement from Jana Morgan, director of the Declaration for American Democracy, in response to the House’s passage of the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act: “The Declaration for American Democracy applauds the House for swiftly passing the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act...
Declaration for American Democracy Applauds Majority Leader Schumer for Outlining a Plan to Deliver on Voting Rights for All Americans
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy—a coalition of more than 240 organizations representing tens of millions of Americans nationwide—in response to Majority Leader Schumer announcing his plan to begin debate on voting rights...
Declaration for American Democracy Applauds Biden Administration’s Support for Reforming the Senate to Protect Our Freedom to Vote, Calls on Senate to Pass Transformational Legislation Immediately
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy—a coalition of more than 240 organizations representing tens of millions of Americans nationwide—in response to President Biden’s remarks today in Georgia where he outlined his support for reforming...
US Chamber Board Members Continue to Disregard Democracy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s State of American Business 2022 event ignores Freedom to Vote Act pending in Congress January 11, 2022, Washington DC-Two months ago, 23 groups sent an open letter to the U.S. Chamber’s Board Members asking them to use their influence to support...
President Biden has a Duty to Ensure Voting Rights Legislation Passes in January
In response to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announcing that voting rights legislation will be considered as early as the first week of January, Jana Morgan, director of Declaration for American Democracy — a coalition of 240+ organizations representing tens of millions...
200+ Groups Call on Senate to Delay Recess to Pass Voting Rights
Senate Democrats must prioritize passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act as soon as possible and delay recess if necessary to do it, a coalition of more than 200 groups representing tens of millions of Americans said today in a letter to the Senate.
National Groups Send Open Letter to Board Members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
National Groups Send Open Letter to Board Members of the U.S. Chamber of CommerceBusinesses must stand up for voting rights, endorse Freedom to Vote Act, before it’s too late Washington DC, November 18th, 2021- 23 groups sent an open letter to the U.S. Chamber’s Board...
Following Blocked Vote on John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, Declaration for American Democracy Sends Clear Message to Senate Democrats and President Biden to Act Now
In response to Senate Republicans’ blockage of a procedural vote on the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, Jana Morgan, director of the Declaration for American Democracy coalition—a group of 240+ organizations representing tens of millions of Americans nationwide—issued the following statement:
Following Blocked Vote on Freedom to Vote Act, Declaration for American Democracy Sends Clear Message to Senate Democrats and President Biden to Act Now
In response to Senate Republicans’ blockage of a procedural vote on the Freedom to Vote Act, Jana Morgan, director of the Declaration for American Democracy coalition—a group of 240+ organizations representing tens of millions of Americans nationwide that is leading the charge to push for passage of the Freedom to Vote Act—issued the following statement:
Declaration for American Democracy Applauds Senate’s Reintroduction of John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, Urges Immediate Passage
Statement from Jana Morgan, director of the Declaration for American Democracy coalition: We applaud the U.S. Senate for reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and bringing us one step closer to safely and freely casting our ballots and creating a...
Declaration for American Democracy Endorses the Freedom to Vote Act to Protect our Freedom to Vote and Transform our Democracy
In response to the introduction of the Freedom to Vote Act, Jana Morgan, director of the Declaration for American Democracy coalition—the coalition of 230+ organizations representing tens of millions of Americans nationwide, leading the charge to push for the passage of the For...
Declaration for American Democracy Statement on the Freedom to Vote Act
In response to the introduction of the Freedom to Vote Act, Jana Morgan, director of the Declaration for American Democracy coalition, issued the following response: “The Declaration for American Democracy is pleased to see Senate Democrats come together to put forward a...
John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and For the People Act Together Guarantee Our Freedom to Vote
We applaud the House for passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4). As over 400 harmful bills threaten the right to vote across the country, passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is a necessary step to strengthen the freedom to vote, especially for Black and Brown communities whose voices have long been silenced.
Statement on the Introduction of John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
“The Supreme Court’s disastrous 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision left voting rights, especially those of people of color, exposed to unchecked attacks by extremist state lawmakers. Today’s reintroduction of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 4) is necessary to restore the Voting Rights Act to its full power and represents a fundamental step forward in ensuring our freedom to vote.
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy, on today’s expected release of 2020 census data by the U.S. Census Bureau to be used in redistricting
“Today’s release of census data starts the clock for states to begin the redistricting process, and marks the beginning of gerrymandering’s next attack on fair representation. Without protection from the For the People Act, Americans are looking at another 10 years where politicians pick their voters, rather than the other way around.”
Senate Democrats and President Biden Must Urgently Outline their Plan to Overcome the Filibuster and Pass the For the People Act to Protect the Freedom to Vote
Senate Republicans continued to block even a discussion on the For the People Act and two wildly popular reforms that will transform our democracy into one that represents, reflects, and responds to the people.
150+ Legislators Wrap Week of Action in DC Urging the Senate to Delay Recess to Pass the For the People Act, Leading to Upcoming Vote
Legislators return to their districts to join activists in a nationwide day of action Tuesday to voice support for sweeping legislation that protects the freedom to vote.
Recess Can Wait; Our Democracy Can’t
The Declaration for American Democracy coalition and 22 member organizations issued statements calling for August recess to be delayed until the For the People Act is passed.
Statement on Georgia Field Hearing
The testimony during today’s field hearing on voting rights painted a grim picture of the real life consequences of the attack on our freedom to vote that we’ve heard time and time again. The unfortunate reality is that what Georgia voters experienced during the last election and in decades past is not unique.
RELEASE: Advocates Host 150+ Candlelight Vigils Across More Than 40 States Honoring Legacy of the Late Rep. John Lewis and Demanding National Standards to Protect Freedom to Vote
Thousands of advocates in 42 states across the country held more than 150 “Good Trouble Candlelight Vigils for Democracy,” yesterday to mark one year since the passing of Rep. John Lewis.
Declaration for American Democracy calls on President Biden to use full power of the Presidency to secure passage of the For the People Act
Today President Biden laid bare the grave threats to the integrity of American democracy and the sacred right to vote. We welcome the President’s remarks calling the passage of the For the People Act a “national imperative.”
Biden Must Act With Urgency and Do What’s Necessary to Immediately Pass the For the People Act
The late Congressman John Lewis risked his life crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge to fight for the rights of Black voters and other voters of color to participate in America’s electoral process. Once again, our freedom to vote is under attack
Statement By Declaration For American Democracy On Supreme Court’s Disastrous Voting Rights And Campaign Finance Disclosure Decisions
The Supreme Court’s recent rulings in Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee and Americans for Prosperity Foundation v. Bonta sends a stark reminder to all of us that Congress must pass legislation to protect our freedom to vote from this assault and ensure an equitable, transparent, and inclusive democracy…
DFAD Praises the Senate Democratic Caucus for Its Unified Support to Begin Debate on Legislation to Protect the Freedom to Vote
Senator Manchin’s decision to vote “yes” on today’s procedural vote demonstrates that Senate Democrats are united in their commitment to pass legislation…
RELEASE: Generation Progress and the Declaration for American Democracy Launch Youth Working Group
Generation Progress and the Declaration for American Democracy are announcing the launch of the Youth Working Group to ensure that…
Business Leaders Join When We All Vote, Vote.org and Declaration for American Democracy in Call for Senate to Pass Voter Protections
More than 80 business leaders pen letter to Senate calling for the passage of the For the People Act to protect and strengthen democracy
Declaration for American Democracy’s Position on the Filibuster
“Senator Manchin’s current position on the For the People Act is unacceptable. His claim that the only bipartisan path to ensuring the freedom to vote…
Declaration for American Democracy Mission & Vision Statement
The Declaration for American Democracy is an anti-oppression coalition working together to make the promise of democracy real for all of us.
Declaration for American Democracy Calls on Senator Manchin to Support the For the People Act and Ensure the Freedom to Vote for Millions of Americans
“Senator Manchin’s current position on the For the People Act is unacceptable. His claim that the only bipartisan path to ensuring the freedom to vote…
Virtual Action on the National Mall: Voices Across America
The Declaration for American Democracy organized a virtual action on the National Mall to amplify the voices of Americans around the country calling on the Senate to swiftly pass the For the People Act (S. 1).
Following Mark-up, Declaration for American Democracy Coalition Calls on Senate to Immediately Pass & Send the For the People Act to President Biden’s Desk to Sign into Law
“Today’s efforts by Republicans to obstruct progress on S. 1, the For the People Act, during the Senate’s mark-up session blatantly ignores the will of the American people. The For the People Act’s common sense reforms to make the promise of American democracy real for us all, no matter our color, zip code, or income.
Declaration for American Democracy Thanks President Biden for Voicing Continued Commitment to Passing the For the People Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Act in Joint Address to Congress
Member organizations of the Declaration for American Democracy coalition issued calls for President Biden to state his continued commitment to transforming our democracy as part of his upcoming Joint Address to Congress on April 28, 2021.
Members of the Declaration for American Democracy Call on President Biden to State His Continued Commitment to Transforming Our Democracy in Joint Address to Congress
Member organizations of the Declaration for American Democracy coalition issued calls for President Biden to state his continued commitment to transforming our democracy as part of his upcoming Joint Address to Congress on April 28, 2021.
Democracy Coalition Applauds House Passage of D.C. Statehood Legislation, Urges Senate to Immediately Follow Suit
People in our nation’s capital are now one step closer to finally having the same rights and representation in government as the rest of the country. The Declaration for American Democracy applauds the passage of H.R. 51 in the House, and the leadership of Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton and the over 200 cosponsors of this legislation for ensuring that the District of Columbia and its more than 700,000 residents are granted equal and fair representation in Congress.
Democracy Coalition Thanks Sen. Manchin for his Commitment to Voting Rights for All Americans, Looks to Partner with the Senator to Pass the For the People Act
We thank Senator Joe Manchin for his response to S. 1, the For the People Act, and his commitment to curbing the influence of dark money in our politics and making sure that all Americans have equal access to the ballot box, particularly Black, Brown and Indigenous communities and other communities of color that continue to face disenfranchisement. Sen. Manchin has long been a champion for voting rights and ensuring that our democratic institutions and elections are fair, transparent, and free from any outside interference.
In Response to Anti-Asian Bigotry and Violence
Racism has no place in our democracy, and the bigotry and hate crimes against the Asian American community like the horrific violence last week in Atlanta must end.
Democracy Coalition Applauds Senate for Introducing S. 1, the For The People Act, Calls on Senate to Immediately Pass & Send the Transformative Democracy Reform Package to President Biden’s Desk to Sign into Law
With the introduction of S. 1, the For The People Act, the Senate made it clear that democracy reform is a top priority. We applaud Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Rules Committee Chairwoman Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), for their leadership in moving our country toward a government that finally lives up to our founding promise of a democracy that is of, by, and for the people.
On the 56th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Nation’s Leaders Must Protect Voter Rights and Create a New Vision for Democracy
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy—a coalition of more than190 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities—on the 56th...
Nearly 50 Groups Respond to House Passage of HR1
Declaration for American Democracy 51 for 51 AFSCME American Federation of Teachers Bend the Arc (below) Blue Wave Postcards Movement (below) Brady United Brennan Center Campaign Legal Center Center for American Progress Center for Popular Democracy Clean Elections Texas...
Declaration for American Democracy Applauds House for Passing H.R. 1, the For the People Act, Urges Immediate Passage in the Senate to Pave Way for Democracy Reform
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of 190 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities – in response to the U.S....
Declaration for American Democracy Applauds Letter from 20 Senators Calling on Biden Administration to Immediately Advance Meaningful Change in our Democracy
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy, in response to today’s letter from 20 U.S. Senators calling on President Biden to take a number of critical steps to strengthen our democracy, alongside Congress’ efforts to advance the For the...
More Than 150 Organizations Voice Strong Support for the For the People Act, Urge Congress to Advance Bold Vision for Democracy Reform
Passing the For the People Act will transform our democracy by ending political corruption in Washington, stopping the influence of big money in politics, and protecting and expanding voting rights. (Washington, DC)—Today, more than 150 organizations representing tens of...
Declaration for American Democracy Applauds Introduction of Historic DC Statehood Legislation in the Senate, Urges Swift Passage
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of nearly 180 organizations from the labor, racial justice, faith, women’s rights, environmental, good government, and many other important communities – in response to the introduction...
On 11th Anniversary of Supreme Court’s Damaging Citizens United v. FEC decision, Declaration for American Democracy Celebrates Reintroduction of Constitutional Amendment to Get Big Money of Politics
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a diverse, grassroots coalition of nearly 180 labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights and good government groups, along with many other important communities...
Democracy Coalition Applauds Senate for Announcing the For the People Act as S.1, Calls on House and Senate to Pass Critical Legislation to Transform our Democracy
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy—a coalition of nearly 180 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities—in response to...
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, We Must End Disenfranchisement of Black Americans and Safeguard Voting Rights
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy—a coalition of over 170 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities—on Martin Luther King...
Massive Grassroots Coalition Applauds House Democrats for Reintroducing H.R. 1
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a diverse, grassroots coalition of more than 170 labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights and good government groups, along with many other important...
Statement on Washington DC Admission Act (H.R. 51) Reintroduction
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of over 170 organizations from the labor, racial justice, faith, women’s rights, environmental, good government, and many other important communities – in response to the reintroduction...
Statement on Mitch McConnell’s Decision to Hold Up Critical Financial Relief for American Families and Undermine Our Electoral System
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a diverse, grassroots coalition of more than 170 labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights and good government groups, along with many other important...
On the Anniversary of the Passage of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020 in the House, the Senate Must Act Now to Protect Voters and Safeguard Democracy
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy - a coalition of over 170 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities - on the one-year...
Speaker Pelosi, Senator Merkley, Rep. Sarbanes and Public Interest Groups Urge the Passage of Key Democracy Reform Legislation As a Top Priority
Leaders urge Biden administration and Congress to double down on democracy reform by passing H.R.1—the For the People Act—as a top priority post-election Leaders from the Declaration for American Democracy—a coalition of over 170 organizations serving the public...
Coalition of 170+ Member Organizations Call on Biden Administration to Tackle Democracy Reforms on Day One
New Report Outlines Executive Actions That Must be Paired with Commitment to Supporting the Passage of the For the People Act as First Legislative Priority Washington, DC -- Today, the Declaration for American Democracy — a coalition of over 170+ organizations from the labor,...
Voters Make Clear that Change is Needed Now: 170+ Organizations Call on Congress & President-Elect Biden to Finish the Job and Pass the For the People Act as a First Priority to Rebuild Our Democracy
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of over 170 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities, representing tens...
We Must Honor Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Legacy by Voting for Democracy at the Ballot Box
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities – in response to the passing of U.S....
Leading Civil Society Organizations Urge Debate Moderators to Ask Candidates’ Position on Democracy Reform and Voter Rights in the Upcoming Debates
Amid growing concerns around voter suppression and corporate interests in politics, 42 organizations wrote a letter calling on debate moderators to ask Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates for their views around voter rights and plans for democracy reform. ...
Debate Moderator Letter
To Chris Wallace, Susan Page, Steve Scully, and Kristen Welker: Debates present a special forum for the American people to hear directly from presidential and vice-presidential candidates about their vision for how to grapple with the problems facing the country. During a year...
Uphold True Democracy and Support Black Lives
The anti-Black violence and continued police brutality in Kenosha, Wisconsin last week is yet one more tragedy on a 400+ year timeline of structural and systemic racism in America against the Black, Indigenous, and people of color who live here. Ever since the founding of...
We’re Hiring! DFAD is seeking a Campaign Associate.
Campaign Associate – Declaration for American Democracy GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Declaration for American Democracy (DFAD) Coalition seeks to educate the public on the key issues facing our democracy and grow the grassroots movement for reforms through inspiring people...
Democracy Coalition Applauds House for Passing Critical Funding for U.S. Postal Service, Urges Senate to Immediately Come Back into Session to Approve Legislation
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of over 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities – in response to the...
More than 50 groups urge “yes” vote on Delivering for America Act (HR 8015)
Dear Representative: On behalf of the more than 50 below organizations, many of which are part of the Democracy Initiative and/or the Declaration for American Democracy coalitions representing tens of millions of Americans, we urge you to vote “yes” for the bipartisan...
Democracy Coalition Slams President Trump’s Blatant Efforts to Suppress Americans’ Votes
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of over 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities – in response to...
In Latest COVID-19 Relief Package Negotiations, Senate Republicans & Administration Maintain the Status Quo, Prioritizing Corporate Interests over Working Families
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of over 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities – in response to the...
To Honor 55th Anniversary of Voting Rights Act, Congress Must Immediately Pass $3.6 Billion in Safe Election Reforms and Funding
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of over 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities – on the 55th...
The President’s Vote-By-Mail Disinformation Campaign is a Danger to America’s Democracy
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities – in response to...
In Response to the Senate’s COVID-19 Stimulus Bill:
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, voting rights, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities – in response to the...
Democracy Coalition Urges Senate to pass Voting Rights Advancement Act in Honor of Rep. John Lewis
Statement from Jana Morgan, Campaign Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, faith, environmental, women’s rights, good government, and many other important communities – in response to the passing of...
The Declaration Stands in Solidarity with the Strike for Black Lives
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of over 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, faith, women’s rights, environmental, good government, and many other important...
House Votes Out Taxation Without Representation, a Centuries-Old Injustice, for DC Residents
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of over 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, faith, women’s rights, environmental, good government, and many other important communities – in response to the U.S. House of...
Seven Years Too Long: Senate Must Act Now to Undo the Damage of Shelby County V. Holder
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of over 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, faith, women’s rights, environmental, good government, and many other important communities – marking seven years since the...
Mail-in Voting is About Democracy, Not Helping Democrats
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of over 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, faith, women’s rights, environmental, good government, and many other important communities – in response to President Trump’s...
Voting Rights Advocates to Host “Vote for Our Lives” Virtual Rally, Calling for Swift Action from Congress to Secure our Vote
Featuring: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign Rev. Barber, and labor activist and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta WHAT: On Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00pm ET, the Declaration for American Democracy, a coalition of over 160 nonprofits serving...
DFAD Statement on Extrajudicial Killings of Black Americans
Statement from Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, faith, women’s rights, environmental, good government, and many other important communities – in response to police...
The Declaration for American Democracy Applauds the House for Approving Critical Funding to Protect our Vote
Today, the House passed the HEROES Act (“CARES 2.0”) relief package, which included $3.6 billion in funding to protect our 2020 elections. In response, Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of more than 160 organizations from the labor,...
The Declaration for American Democracy Applauds the House for Allocating Critical Funding to Protect our Vote
In response to the introduction of the House’s HEROES Act (“CARES 2.0”) relief package today, Jana Morgan, Director of the Declaration for American Democracy – a coalition of more than 160 organizations from the labor, racial justice, faith, women’s rights, environmental, good...
Democracy Experts Host Protect Our Vote: Defending Democracy During COVID 19 Virtual Town Hall Series
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2020 ***Media Advisory*** Democracy Experts Host Protect Our Vote: Defending Democracy During COVID 19 Virtual Town Hall Series Featuring: Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA),...
The Declaration for American Democracy Calls on Congress to Act Now and Authorize $4 Billion to Protect Our Vote
Contact: Jana Morgan - Director, Declaration for American DemocracyPhone: (703) 795-8542 E-Mail: jana@dfadcoalition.org Today, the Declaration for American Democracy joined the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and over 150 other organizations, to demand that...
This Week in Democracy Reform
This week, states continued to adapt their primary elections to address the challenges of coronavirus. Milwaukee implemented a new drive-up early voting program, and voting rights activists sued the state of Wisconsin to ease prohibitive barriers to absentee voting. Iowa will...
Vote by mail questions, more elections delayed, and more.
This Week in 200 Words This week, several more states cancelled or postponed their primaries due to the coronavirus, bringing the total postponed state primaries to nine. Georgia will send mail-in ballots to every registered voter in time for its rescheduled primary, Iowa has...
The Declaration for American Democracy Applauds Democratic Efforts to Protect Voting Rights in COVID-19 Recovery Package
Calls on Congress to Provide $2 Billion in Funding Necessary to Implement Reforms Nationwide Washington, D.C. -- After U.S. Senate leaders negotiated a nearly $2 trillion emergency relief package in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Jana Morgan, the campaign director for...
The Declaration for American Democracy Applauds Democracy Reform Investments in COVID-19 Recovery Package
Washington, D.C. -- Jana Morgan, the Campaign Director for the Declaration for American Democracy, issued the statement below on the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act, which was introduced by House Democrats: “We applaud Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats...
Coronavirus Upends Four Postponed Primaries, Emergency Ballot Act, and more
This Week in 200 Words This week, as coronavirus spreads and upends primary elections, both Florida and Illinois saw decreased turnout and confusion on Tuesday over how the election was proceeding. Conversely, Arizona, which relies heavily on early voting in...
Congress Must Protect Public Health and the Health of Our Democracy in the Next COVID-19 Stimulus
Statement of Jana Morgan, Campaign Director for the Declaration for American Democracy As Congress considers another stimulus to address the COVID-19 pandemic, the Declaration for American Democracy, a coalition of nearly 150 organizations from the civil rights,...
HR 1’s 1 Year Anniversary, Ranked-Choice Voting Expands, and more
This Week in 200 Words This week in state updates, Pennsylvania House Democrats are sponsoring a state-level HR1-like bill package called “For the People”, which contains proposals to strengthen campaign finance reform, voting rights, and voter turnout. Voters in Alaska have...
To make progress on the issues that we care most about, such as health care, racial justice, reproductive rights, and the environment, we must build a system that serves the people rather than wealthy donors. Congress must pass the #FreedomToVoteAct. pic.twitter.com/lg3kmym7b1— Declaration for American Democracy - (@DFADCoalition) July 27, 2023
What would the Freedom to Vote Act achieve?
The Freedom to Vote Act is a bold and transformative legislative package that would create national standards to protect our freedom to vote, get big money out of politics, combat partisan election subversion, and guarantee that congressional districts are drawn to give fair representation for all.
Together we can realize a democracy that represents, reflects, and responds to all of us.
Protects Our Freedom to Vote
- Automatic Voter Registration and Online Voter Registration: Enacts an automatic voter registration system for each state through the state’s motor vehicle agency and ensures voters in all states have access to online voter registration.
- Election Day Holiday: Makes Election Day a public holiday.
- Uniform Early Voting: Ensures voters have access to at least 15 consecutive days of early voting for federal elections, including two weekends, while accommodating small election jurisdictions and vote-by-mail jurisdictions.
- Same Day Voter Registration: Ensures every state offers same day registration at a limited number of locations for the 2022 elections and at all polling locations by 2024, allowing election officials, especially in rural areas, time to implement the new requirements.
- Federal Minimum Standards on Vote by Mail and Drop Boxes: Ensures all voters can request a mail-in ballot, improves the delivery of election mail, and puts in place minimum standards to ensure drop boxes are available and accessible to all voters.
- Strengthens Voter List Maintenance Standards: Requires that the removal of voters from the rolls is done on the basis of reliable and objective evidence and prohibits the use of returned mail sent by third parties to remove voters.
- Counting of Provisional Ballots: Requires provisional ballots to count for all eligible races within a county, regardless of the precinct they were cast in.
- Standards for Voter Identification: Promotes voter confidence and access by requiring a uniform national standard for states that requires identification for in-person voting, and allowing voters to present a broad set of identification cards and documents in hard copy and digital form.
- Voting Rights Restoration for Returning Citizens: Restores the right to vote in federal elections for people who have served their time for felony convictions after they are released from prison.
- Expanded Voting Access Protections for the Disabled, Native Americans, Military, Overseas Voters, and Underserved Communities: Includes targeted protections to promote accessible voting to communities facing unique challenges.
Ensures Fair Representation in Government
- Bans Partisan Gerrymandering: Prevents states from adopting congressional maps that unduly favor a political party. Maps will be measured against concrete numerical thresholds for each state, created by political scientists using quantitative metrics of partisan fairness. Courts will also be able to look broadly at the maps and mapmakers’ intent to determine whether they are unduly favoring a political party.
- Strengthens Protections for Communities of Color: By bolstering Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, requiring districts be drawn to represent communities of interest, including communities that share racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Requires States to Adopt Transparent and Fair Processes for Maps: Allows states to enact redistricting plans using their legislature, a commission, or any other entity — provided they hold public hearings, accept public input, adhere to transparency requirements, and explain how final plans adhere to the Voting Rights Act and the ban on partisan gerrymandering.
- Takes Effect Immediately and Applies to All 2022 Maps: Prevents any unfair maps ahead of the 2022 elections, and courts may not allow an illegal map to be used simply because an election is imminent. Any resident may sue their state in federal court for violating the redistricting provisions, and if the court finds the law has been violated, it may either draw a new map or require the state to redraw its map.
Reduces the Influence of Big Money in Politics
- Combatting Secret Money and Election Interference (DISCLOSE Act and Honest Ads Act): Requires super PACs, 501(c)(4) groups, and other organizations spending money in elections to disclose donors and shuts down the use of transfers between organizations to cloak the identity of contributors. Ensures that political ads sold online have the same transparency and disclosure requirements as ads sold on TV, radio, and satellite.
- State Election Assistance & Innovation Fund: Establishes a self-sustaining fund to finance critical investments in state-led innovations for our democracy and election infrastructure. The fund is financed through an additional assessment paid on federal fines, penalties, and settlements for certain tax crimes and corporate malfeasance. States would be allotted an annual distribution for eligible democracy and election-related investments. States could select to access their full distribution or a partial distribution, or roll over their distribution for future use.
- Nonpartisan Oversight of Federal Election Law: Improves the ability of the Federal Election Commission to carry out oversight and enforcement responsibilities.
- Stopping Illicit Super PAC Coordination: Creates “coordinated spender” category to ensure single-candidate super PACs do not operate as arms of campaigns.
Combats Partisan Election Subversion
- Preventing State Election Subversion: Establishes federal protections to insulate nonpartisan state and local officials who administer federal elections from undue partisan interference or control.
- Protection of Election Records, Election Infrastructure, and Ballot Tabulation: Strengthens protections for federal election records and election infrastructure in order to protect the integrity and security of ballots and voting systems.
- Voter-Verified Paper Ballots, Reliable Audits, and Voting System Upgrades: Requires states to use voting systems that use paper ballots that can be verified by voters and to implement reliable post-election audits. Also provides grants for states to purchase new and more secure voting systems and make cybersecurity improvements.
- Non-Partisan Election Official Recruitment and Training: Tasks the Election Assistance Commission with developing model training programs to recruit a new generation of election workers and provides dedicated grants for training and recruitment.
- Comprehensive Voting System Security Protections: Puts in place election vendor cybersecurity standards, including standards for manufacturing and assembling voting machines, among other key security measures.
- Establishing Duty to Report Foreign Election Interference: Creates a reporting requirement for federal campaigns to disclose certain foreign contacts.
What is the Declaration for American Democracy?
A Coalition of 260+ Member Organizations
The Declaration for American Democracy is an anti-oppression coalition working together to make the promise of democracy real for all of us.
We believe our democratic systems, institutions, and leaders must reflect, represent, and respect the diverse, multicultural nation that we are and have always been. For democracy to work for all of us, it must include all of us and address the deep systemic, institutional challenges that continue to block meaningful progress to this day. As America’s diversity continues to grow, so must our democracy.
Our Mission
Today our democracy faces crises on multiple fronts -- compounded by a deeply problematic history that has held us back from achieving an inclusive and equitable multiracial nation since our founding. Powerful corporations and wealthy special interests use their money and influence to shape public policy priorities. Extremist politicians are putting up deliberate barriers to block access to the ballot box and silence the voices of Black, Brown, Indigenous, Latinx, AAPI, low-income, LGBTQIA, disability, and other marginalized communities. State legislatures are manipulating Congressional maps to allow politicians to pick their voters and hoard power for their political parties. And our government has failed to respond after four years of a corrupt administration and Supreme Court decisions gutting voting rights protections and anti-corruption laws.
Working together, we are committed to passing national standards, including the Freedom to Vote Act, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and DC Statehood, to transform our political system and move our country closer to realizing the true promise of democracy. However, we will not be satisfied with any single reform and will continue to press for the structural changes necessary to rebalance power for the people and undo the historic harms that have barred communities that have been marginalized and denied political power since the founding of the United States.
We believe people of color, young people, people with disabilities, language minorities, and other historically disenfranchised communities should have equal access to the ballot and be equitably represented in government. We believe everyday people should have a stronger voice in elections than wealthy donors and special interests. And we believe our government should be transparent and accountable to the people.
Together we must ensure the freedom to vote is a fundamental American right and that the people -- regardless of our color, our background, or our zip code - hold the power, not the wealthy and corporations.
Our Vision
Therefore, we, the Declaration for American Democracy, are committed to working together to achieve this vision and model our values in how we work together. As a coalition, we will invest in each other and treat each other with respect. We will acknowledge and learn from our past, including the legacy of racism and white supremacy in our movement and democratic institutions. In decision making we will center Black, Brown, Indigenous, Latinx, AAPI, LGBTQIA, people with disabilities, language minorities, as well as other impacted communities. And we will invest in each other through professional development, collaborative grantmaking, and shared projects.