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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It’s Time To Talk About Electoral Reform Report
People vote at East High School in Denver.

It’s Time To Talk About Electoral Reform

To fix the dysfunction in American politics, reformers should consider fundamental changes to the electoral rules.

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Minnesota Bill Would Limit Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations Testimony

Minnesota Bill Would Limit Political Spending by Foreign-Influenced U.S. Corporations

Michael Sozan, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, filed written testimony before the Minnesota House of Representatives’ Committee on Elections Finance and Policy in support of H.F. 117, a bill to stop political spending by foreign-influenced U.S. corporations.

Michael Sozan

U.S. Election Funding: 5 Myths Debunked Report
Person standing at voting station

U.S. Election Funding: 5 Myths Debunked

Here are the reasons why state spending of federal election funding is significant, why some states are not spending it as quickly as some policymakers want, and why Congress must continue to invest in funding federal elections.

Greta Bedekovics

Finding Common Ground to Address Threats to Our Elections Past Event

Finding Common Ground to Address Threats to Our Elections

Please join the Center for American Progress for a virtual event that will assess the current threats to our elections, analyze what state officials are doing to address the issues, and explore how Americans can come together to safeguard our democracy.

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