Run. Vote. Work.
Overview
The legitimacy of our democracy rests in no small part on the integrity of our elections. This starts with ensuring that all eligible voters are able to cast their ballots and that voters actually decide the outcome of our elections. For much of American history, voting was a segregated act, reserved only for certain white men. After making significant strides with voter enfranchisement, particularly since the Civil Rights era, we are again witnessing significant voter suppression as some states strive to influence the outcome of elections by influencing who votes, specifically targeting access to the ballot box for people of color.
With this packed Supreme Court’s permission, congressional and state legislative districts are being redrawn in such a way as to give significant advantage to the very people drawing the lines. We are also seeing an effort by proponents of election disinformation to obtain key election official positions that could enable them to distort election procedures — and potentially — outcomes.
There’s a lot at stake this election cycle, and we know democracy works best when everyone is engaged. This is why ACS is committed to protecting the integrity of our elections and the legitimacy of our democracy through our Run.Vote.Work. campaign, which focuses on advocating for voting rights and non-partisan redistricting; mobilizing and educating voters about their rights; raising awareness and increasing engagement on down ballot races (many of which play a role in ensuring election integrity), and connecting our members with opportunities to support voting rights and election integrity.
Here are three ways to get involved:
- Run: Interested in running for office? Consider these down ballot positions, which directly impact whether our laws and legal systems improve our lives or are used to entrench inequity and injustice.
- Vote: Mark your calendars now: Election Day is Tuesday, November 8th, and many states have early voting options before then. When you vote, vote your complete ballot!
- Work: Participate in election integrity and voter protection efforts. Check out our different opportunities below to support elections this year. And, remember that the impact of down ballot positions is made possible by the people who staff these offices. Have you ever considered working for your state’s Attorney General or Secretary of State offices?
Down Ballot Races
When voters go to the polls this November, they will be voting for positions that are critical to the functioning of our democracy, including state Attorney General, Secretary of State, District Attorney, state court judges and justices, and more. The people elected to these positions are responsible for administering our elections, enforcing our states’ laws, and upholding the rule of law. That’s why ACS is committed to increasing engagement on down ballot races, from encouraging people to run for these positions to educating voters about them.
Diversity is just as important in these positions as it is on our courts. Attorneys General and Secretaries of State inevitably bring their life experience to their work, which impacts everyone in their respective states. As part of Run.Vote.Work., ACS chapters and working groups are encouraging people who have been historically excluded from consideration for these positions to think about running for office or working for one of these elected officials. Our democratic institutions work best when they represent the diversity of the American public.
Resources
State AG Project: Through our network of students, lawyers, academics, and allies, ACS’s State AG Project develops and disseminates legal resources to state attorneys general offices (AGOs), and hosts programming and events examining the actions of AGOs and the emerging legal and policy issues they face. Learn more, including about employment opportunities in state AGOs.
Democracy and Elections webpage: The legitimacy of our democracy depends on all eligible voters having a meaningful opportunity to vote and requires that our elections be decided by voters, not by gerrymandering, voter suppression, or interference by anti-democratic forces. ACS works with its network, chapters, members, and allies to promote laws and legal systems that protect inclusive voting rights and election integrity. Learn more about ACS’s work.
Election Protection: ACS is part of the national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition, which works year-round to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to vote and have that vote count. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection uses a wide range of tools and activities to protect, advance and defend the right to vote. Learn more.
Election Day Class Cancellation: Election Day should be a national holiday, and until then, ACS encourages law schools to cancel classes and encourage students to vote and volunteer at the polls. We know that making Election Day a holiday or canceling classes is not enough to counter voter suppression laws. But this is one of many steps that we can take to help more people get to the polls. Join our efforts to establish a day of civic service at your law school!
Constitution in the Classroom: Constitution in the Classroom gives lawyers and law students the opportunity to teach lessons on various constitutional topics to elementary, middle, and high school students. Help equip the next generation with a robust understanding of civics.
GOTV: Are you registered to vote? Do you have questions about the registration requirements in your state? Learn how to register in your state.
Become a Poll Worker: Poll workers are essential for the functioning of our elections. In recent years, many states and localities have struggled with a shortage of poll workers, which has resulted in long lines at polling places and even in the closure of some polling places. Learn more about your state or locality’s process for becoming a poll worker, and sign up today!
Volunteer with ACS: Sign up today to be notified of upcoming volunteer opportunities with ACS and partner organizations working on election security and voter protection. We encourage lawyers, law students, voters, and advocates to sign up! Safeguarding democracy is our collective responsibility.
Media
- Broken Law Podcast
- Episode 44: “Pay Attention to State Courts – and Their Elections”
- Episode 32: “We Need to Talk Elections”
- Episode 12: “Preparing for Redistricting, Bracing for Gerrymandering”
- Episode 44: “Pay Attention to State Courts – and Their Elections”