Legislation

The Task Force on Strengthening Democracy is working to expand access to the ballot box, prevent election subversion, end partisan gerrymandering, combat the influence of big money in our politics and insist on ethical accountability in government. Congressman John Lewis’ words ring out, "Never give up, never give in, never give out.” In his memory, we are working every day to lift up the voice of every American and ensure a government of, by and for the people.

For that reason, we will continue to push forward critical pieces of democracy legislation, including the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Voting Rights

As states across the country enact voter suppression laws, we must ensure every American is heard in our democracy. The Task Force on Strengthening Democracy works to promote voter access to the ballot box by taking aim at institutional barriers to voting, including cumbersome voter registration systems, disenfranchisement and limited voting hours. Specifically, it is working to:

• Protect broad access to registration and voting, including early voting, mail-in voting and Election Day voting;
• Deliver robust investment in local and state election systems, including critical protections for poll workers and election administrators;
• Update and reinvigorate landmark voting rights legislation;
• Deliver full congressional voting rights and self-government for the residents of the District of Columbia; and
• Establish a process of self-determination for the residents of Puerto Rico.

Election Subversion

We must ensure not only that Americans can cast their votes, but also that every vote is fairly counted. We have seen unprecedented efforts to interfere with election results and call into question the legitimacy of our elections. Election administrators have been the subject of threats and abusive behavior from those seeking to overturn election results despite overwhelming evidence that our elections are secure and fair. The Task Force on Strengthening Democracy is committed to establishing stronger safeguards against potential election subversion efforts to ensure elections and vote counting are performed transparently and without partisan influence. Specifically, it is working to:

• Protect election officials from improper removal;
• Strengthen protections for election workers against intimidation or harassment;
• Establish judicial protection of the right to vote and non-partisan vote counting;
• Protect election records by strengthening preservation requirements;
• Prevent poll observer interference by establishing a buffer zone; and
• Prevent restrictions on food and beverages provided at polling locations.

Gerrymandering

Redistricting should allow for voters to pick their elected representatives, not the other way around. The Task Force on Strengthening Democracy is committed to prohibiting partisan gerrymandering by requiring that congressional redistricting plans are drawn using objective criteria and procedures and establishing a clear process for challenging unfair redistricting practices and maps. Specifically, it is working to:

• Prohibit partisan gerrymandering;
• Require states to use uniform congressional redistricting criteria;
• Require transparency and opportunity for public input;
• Allow courts to develop plans if states fail to do so; and
• Allow the Attorney General and private citizens to sue to enforce fair redistricting practices.

Campaign Finance

Corporations and moneyed interests funnel billions into elections to influence the government’s agenda. We must shine a light on dark money in politics and give everyday Americans an equal voice in our democracy. The Task Force on Strengthening Democracy seeks to reaffirm Congress’ authority to regulate money in politics, pushing back on the Supreme Court’s wrong-headed Citizens United decision. Specifically, it is working to promote the:

• Disclosure of dark money, and
• Creation of a democracy fund to support small-donor matching and other innovations.

Ethics

One cannot have a vibrant, functioning government without ethical integrity. The Task Force on Strengthening Democracy is working to implement ethics reforms for the executive, legislative and judicial branches.