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From cutting-edge policy research to illuminating analysis, we bring a racial equity lens to the most pressing issues facing our country. For our latest blog posts and media updates, visit our Latest page.
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Two Black voters at a voting booth superimposed on a ballot being cast

Right to Vote: The Case for Expanding the Right to Vote in the U.S. Constitution

If we truly want to build inclusive democracy, we must articulate an affirmative vision of voting rights in the Constitution itself.
Policy Briefs
Laura Williamson
Brenda Wright
People standing at voting booths

Lift Every Voice: The Urgency of Universal Civic Duty Voting

The case for mandatory participation in U.S. elections.
Research
Mailboxes and multicolored hands reaching out to drop 2020 ballots in them

Universally Accessible and Racially Equitable Vote By Mail 

This brief describes the challenges currently facing Black and brown people when voting by mail and presents policy recommendations at each step of the vote-by-mail process to mitigate those problems.
Policy Briefs
Laura Williamson

Rensselaer County Board of Elections Lawsuit

Lawsuit filed to block the Board of Elections of Rensselaer County, New York from illegally disclosing residents’ protected personal information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when they register to vote.
Case
Updated July 26, 2019
New York
Pending

Notice Letter to Rensselaer County Board of Elections

Re: Announced Policy's Violation of Sections 5 and 8 of the National Voter Registration Act
Litigation
Chiraag Bains
Ben Berwick

NVRA Complaint Against Rensselaer County Board of Elections

A newly announced policy of the Rensselaer County Board of Elections violates the National Voter Registration Act
Litigation

Elster and Pynchon v. the City of Seattle

Supporting Seattle's voter-approved Democracy Voucher Program — a system designed to empower small donors and the candidates they support in city elections.
Case
Updated July 23, 2019
Washington
Decided

Letter to Rensselaer County Board of Elections

The County announced it would “immediately” begin sharing the identities of persons who register to vote through the DMV with the Immigration and Customs Service (“ICE”). This is in violation of Sections 5 and 8 of the NVRA.
Litigation
Chiraag Bains

Letter In Support of the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2011

The Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2011 would protect the right to vote, the indisputable cornerstone of our democracy, without interfering with rights granted under the First Amendment. Congress should act quickly to pass this needed legislation.
Testimony and Public Comment
Brenda Wright

How an Important Federal Law Can Help Millions of Low-Income People Register to Vote Through State Public Assistance Agencies

A Primer for Advocates on the National Voter Registration Act
Policy Briefs
FRAC
Demos

Amicus Brief on LGBT Title VII Cases

The Supreme Court should hold that Title VII bars discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Litigation

When the Rainbow is Not Enough

LGB+ Voices in the 2019 Black Census
Research
Black Futures Lab
Demos
Color Of Change
SocioAnalitica Research

Debt to Society: The Case for Bold, Equitable Student Loan Cancellation and Reform

The Case for Bold, Equitable Student Loan Cancellation and Reform
Research
Mark Huelsman