May 26, 2020

Democratizing Voter Protection

Access to the ballot gives Black and Brown communities power in the matters that affect their lives. State and local election officials that administer elections are critical players in ensuring access to the ballot. Year-round accountability with these election officials and following up on potential barriers is the only way to ensure smooth and inclusive elections.

Advancement Project continues to lead the charge for free, fair and assessable elections, learning from the failed election administration practices and partisan political practices from the 2000 election debacle. We have a permanent presence on the ground working alongside grassroots and faith based civic engagement organizations, which register, educate and mobilize the new majority. Advocacy with our grassroots partners created the framework for a modern voter protection vision, “Democratizing Voter Protection” which will train, and educate community members and grassroots organizations to work alongside election officials to find solutions to barriers to the ballot.

The Democratize Voter Protection Program helps build sustainable voter protection infrastructure, owned and operated by local grassroots groups. We train local volunteers who are members of statewide and local grassroots organizations to serve as the eyes and ears on the ground with immediate knowledge of new problems. Even more importantly, these voter protection captains use their local relationships and their power to fix problems as they arise. Through this model, will take voter protection to scale and build the expertise of local leaders.

In spearheading the Democratizing Voter Protection Program, Advancement Project:

Develops advocacy curriculum inclusive of how to host meetings with Election Officials.
Conducts trainings for Voter Protection Captains.
Attends local meetings with Captains as needed.
Supports captains and partner organizations in executing ongoing accountability efforts, including through policy, organizing, legal and communications strategies.

By democratizing voter protection in target states, Advancement Project will clear barriers to voter registration, address challenges faced by strict voter ID laws and assist Returning Citizens get back on the voter rolls.

Want to learn more about the Democratizing Voter Protection Program? Contact Chris Bufford at [email protected]. Become a Voter Protection Captain by completing the sign-up form below.

KEEP READING

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Advancement Project National Office Statement on the Senate’s Failure to Pass Voting Rights Legislation January 20, 2022

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