Defend Democracy Team

“…from Protest To Policy.” Elijah Cummings.

TEAM MISSION and GOALS

Defend the Democracy of the United States: In our country and throughout the world, democratic values are under assault. The Defend Democracy team is committed to educating ourselves and others about the challenges we face and promoting and participating in actions that support and defend democratic values.

Indivisible has joined the Declaration for American Democracy, a historic coalition of over 145 organizations representing millions of people nationwide. Our coalition includes groups from the labor, racial justice, faith, women’s rights, environmental, good government, and many other important communities. Formed in 2018, we set out on a mission to take back our democracy and restore power to the people. We believe that we must build a democracy where everyone participates, every vote is counted, and everyone’s voice is heard.

At the national and state levels:
 
  • Ensure clean and fair elections: improve access, promote integrity, ensure security.
  • Reverse the discriminatory practices and restrictive voting laws caused but the Shelby County v. Holder Supreme Court decision.
  • End the dominance of big money in politics: guarantee disclosure, empower citizens, strengthen oversight. Specifically, call for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United.
  • Ensure public officials work in the public interest: fortify ethics law, impose greater ethics enforcement. In particular, lobby for Sheldon Whitehouse’s bill to reform the Supreme Court (The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act or SCERT).
 
Also, 

 Continue to support the Washington DC Admission Act (H.R. 51), for statehood of Washington DC.

Key actions:

  • Participation in key national and state coalitions, and actions as appropriate. The Defend Democracy Team has joined the Everyone Votes Maryland coalition, together with Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the ACLU, and others. 
  • Lobbying of local and state elected officials.
  • Testimony in support of important election and government transparency bills in the Maryland General Assembly.
  • Letters to the Editor and other opinion pieces.
  • Other actions as needed, such as the Gorman Road overpass rallies held in prior years.

Resources

Brennan Center for Justice Explainers: A series of brief articles on key issues such as money in politics, gerrymandering, and others.

Contact our Team Leaders