Heart of democracy

Voting Rights

Since the beginning of 2011, we have seen a wave of laws restricting the right to vote, including voter ID requirements and curbs on early voting and registration drives, being proposed and enacted. These restrictions could make it harder for millions of Americans to vote, according to a Brennan Center study. One out of 10 Americans don’t have the kind of government-issued photo ID cards that much of the new legislation would require, Brennan Center research shows. Among the most vulnerable constituencies: the elderly, students, and minorities.

President Barack Obama

The Administration

The White House Blog

This year’s election is beset by challenges to the integrity of our democracy. Millions of eligible Americans may find it harder to vote because of new restrictions. Simultaneously, super PACs are spending tens of millions of dollars to influence the candidates — and the outcome of elections. The Brennan Center is fighting these threats through the courts, legislation, and the media — while advancing a new generation of policy reforms that would modernize voter registration and introduce small donor matching funds to reform campaign finance.