Democracy is on the Ballot
The United States needs strong leadership at all levels of government as the nation grapples with environmental, economic, and social changes. A thriving democracy and public faith in the electoral process are crucial. Support for democracy is an American value, not a partisan issue, and there are best practices – many of which are already used by the WLN network – to defend it.
OUR priorities
Sharing strategies and resources to protect voting rights, expand voter access, engage/educate voters, and implement evidence-based best practices related to voter ID laws, polling place accessibility, voting machines, and more.
Advocating for training, written guidance, and investment in equipment, security, scenario planning, staffing, and election supplies.
Sharing strategies and resources to disseminate accurate election information, communicate with the public about the election process, and build trust/preempt disinformation.
Urging elected officials to enact more robust measures against intimidation of voters and election workers, including gun restrictions and privacy protections for election officials.
Advocating for reforming the Insurrection Act.
RECENT IMPACT
We have successfully advocated for legislation and initiatives to expand voting rights and prepare local governments and election workers for elections.
We have shared lessons learned from local leaders through op-eds, webinars, briefings, and online resources.
We have educated candidates running for office in Colorado and New Mexico about crucial issues.
Sign up for our newsletter to receive regular updates and resources. Contact Gwen Lachelt, gwen@westernleaders.org, to get more involved.
Showcase of Democracy champions
Local leaders are standing strong for democracy, from county clerks to election administrators. Meet them in our Showcase of Democracy Champions.
Democracy Resource Toolkit
This toolkit contains resources, articles, guides on best practices, and analyses from policy experts, organizations, news services, and election officials themselves to help local leaders do their part to prepare for the 2024 election, protect and support local election workers, fight disinformation, and restore faith in elections. Find it here.
OTHER TOOLS AND RESOURCES
-
The Brennan Center for Justice is an independent, nonpartisan law and policy organization that works to reform, revitalize, and when necessary, defend our country’s systems of democracy and justice.
-
The Center for American Progress is an independent, nonpartisan policy institute that is dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action. Their aim is not just to change the conversation, but to change the country.
-
Election Center's purpose is to promote, preserve, and improve democracy. The Center is also known as the National Association of Election Officials.
-
The EI-ISAC® is a community of dedicated election officials and cybersecurity professionals working side-by-side to ensure the integrity of elections among U.S. State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) governments.
-
Issue One is a leading crosspartisan political reform group in Washington, D.C. They unite Republicans, Democrats, and independents in the movement to fix our broken political system and build an inclusive democracy that works for everyone.
Faces of Democracy: Interview series with election officials and advocates focused on strengthening America’s democracy.
-
The Native American Rights Fund holds governments accountable. They fight to protect Native American rights, resources, and lifeways through litigation, legal advocacy, and legal expertise.
-
The States United Democracy Center is a nonpartisan organization advancing free, fair, and secure elections. They connect state and local officials, law enforcement leaders, and pro-democracy partners across America with the tools and expertise they need to safeguard democracy.