Demos President Taifa Smith Butler on the 2022 Midterm Elections

NEW YORK, NY — Dēmos President Taifa Smith Butler issued the following statement in response to the results of the 2022 midterm elections: 

In every corner of America, we see that the electorate is growing, civic engagement is at an all-time high, and the people closest to the pain are inching closer to power.

“As results continue to pour in, this election has made one thing clear: people want policies that will actually make their lives better. From protecting abortion care, passing progressive economic policies and expanding access to the ballot, this election was not just about rejecting extremism. It was about communities coming together to secure their rights and protect their futures.

“Make no mistake — too many anti-democracy candidates were elected or re-elected in this election. Too many candidates who are openly sowing dangerous seeds of division and are shamelessly lying about how our elections are run will hold office in the new year. But despite a torrent of misinformation and a massive campaign of anti-voter tactics, the people have spoken. And, once again, the people made history by doing so.

“Voters across the country passed several progressive ballot initiatives — expanding voting access in Connecticut and Michigan, eliminating the tipped wage for restaurant workers in Washington D.C., expanding Medicaid in South Dakota, removing slavery as punishment from the constitution in Tennessee, and codifying abortion in states across the country. And many Black, brown, women, young and LGBTQ+ candidates made history this election, demonstrating that inclusive, progressive policies are popular and are the path forward for the nation. 

“In every corner of America, we see that the electorate is growing, civic engagement is at an all-time high, and the people closest to the pain are inching closer to power. We must remain steadfast and focused on the battles to come for policies that will expand – not restrict – our just, inclusive, multiracial democracy.”

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Dēmos is a think tank that powers the movement for a just, inclusive, multiracial democracy. Through cutting-edge policy research, inspiring litigation, and deep relationships with grassroots organizations, Dēmos champions solutions that will create a democracy and economy rooted in racial equity.