Elections

Free and fair elections where every eligible person can exercise their fundamental right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. In order to ensure that every American is equally represented, it is vital to overcome efforts to subvert the will of the people—such as gerrymandering, voter suppression, and the undue influence of money in politics that undermines our democracy. The United States must also resist a rising threat: election deniers who promote conspiracy theories such as the “big lie” and who seek to undermine the basic fairness of U.S. elections.

The Center for American Progress is committed to pushing back against the dangerous and regressive efforts that threaten U.S. democracy and keeping fidelity to foundational principles that will keep it strong: the sanctity of free and fair elections, the peaceful transfer of power, and a complete condemnation of any political violence or extremism. U.S. elections should be about giving everyone a say by ensuring that voters can cast a ballot freely, fairly, and safely, thereby making our multiracial democracy work for all of us and include all of us.

Four voting booths are seen in front of a blue wall, and a voter fills out their ballot in one of the booths.
A voter fills out a ballot at a polling place in Lansing, Michigan, on November 8, 2022. (Getty/Bill Pugliano).
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Industrial Policy Projects Boosted Harris and Hurt Trump in the 2024 Election, but Not by Much Report
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Industrial Policy Projects Boosted Harris and Hurt Trump in the 2024 Election, but Not by Much

A county-by-county analysis finds that additional IIJA, CHIPS and Science Act, and IRA investments were associated with higher vote share for Kamala Harris compared with Joe Biden and a lower vote share in 2024 for Trump compared with 2020—but the differences are slight.

The right of Coloradans to vote should be protected In the News

The right of Coloradans to vote should be protected

In an op-ed published by Colorado Newsline, Rebecca Mears urges Colorado legislators to pass the pending state voting rights act in order to protect equitable voting access for all Coloradans and safeguard them from voting practices that lead to deeper racial disparities.

Colorado Newsline

Rebecca Mears

Highlights From ‘Winning the Fight for Voting Rights: State Voting Rights Acts’ Video

Highlights From ‘Winning the Fight for Voting Rights: State Voting Rights Acts’

The freedom to vote is under attack across the country, especially for Black voters and other voters of color. States can join the growing movement to protect the freedom to vote and remove barriers to the ballot box by enacting their own voting rights acts.

The SAVE Act: Overview and Facts Fact Sheet
Informational materials and voter registration forms are seen on a table in Atlanta.

The SAVE Act: Overview and Facts

The SAVE Act would require all Americans to prove their citizenship with documentation unavailable to millions and upend the way every American citizen registers to vote.

Mears: Michigan must pass its voting rights act In the News

Mears: Michigan must pass its voting rights act

In an op-ed published by The Detroit News, Rebecca Mears urges Michigan lawmakers to pass their State Voting Rights Act before their congressional session ends on Thursday.

The Detroit News

Rebecca Mears

2024 Elections and the Future of Global Climate Ambition Report
Cranes surround the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset, England.

2024 Elections and the Future of Global Climate Ambition

As the 2024 elections usher in new leaders and reshuffle political power, the trajectory of climate ambition is at a crossroads, with the potential to accelerate toward meaningful progress or falter in the face of new obstacles.

Kalina Gibson

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