WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 30, 2024) — With the 2024 general elections well underway, we are working to ensure voters can cast their ballots and that every vote is counted. The Voting Rights Working Group hopes the trend of historic turnout by voters seen in recent elections continues, despite increased efforts in many states to suppress voters. The 2020 general election saw 100 million voters cast ballots before Election Day by voting early and by mail. It was the highest turnout of the 21st century, with 2 out of 3 eligible voters casting ballots. Due to effective planning and coordination, the 2020 election was also recognized as one of the most secure in recent history.
Since 2021, our member organizations and the clients we represent have been collectively working to dismantle increasing barriers to the ballot and to empower voters to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard. In recent weeks, our members have contested mass voter challenges in Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. We are also opposing efforts by some election officials to make vote certification a matter of discretion. Additionally, we are working with election officials to ensure that voters impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton can still cast their ballots.
The Voting Rights Working Group members offer resources and information to voters about their rights. We assist voters with questions or issues related to voting, including through the nonpartisan Election Protection voter protection hotlines: 866-OUR-VOTE (English), 888-VE-Y-VOTA (Spanish), 888-API-VOTE (Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Bengali/Bangla, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Tagalog, Urdu and Vietnamese ), and 844-YALLA-US (Arabic), as well as online resources such as ldf.vote. We also collaborate with national and state partners to build field programs that support voters at polling places across the country.
In a functioning democracy, the right to vote is essential for ensuring voters’ voices are heard and elected officials remain accountable. In the face of widespread concerns about this election, we stand together to say: we oppose efforts to undermine this right, particularly those targeting voters of color and together we will work to ensure that all voters have the resources needed to cast a ballot that counts. We are ready to take action in the courts for anyone whose freedom to vote is compromised.
The Voting Rights Working Group is a consortium of 11 of the nation’s most prominent and experienced non-profit organizations pursuing voting rights litigation on behalf of racial minorities. Our member organizations are non-partisan legal advocacy groups with decades of experience in using the law to promote and protect the voting rights of people of color:
- American Civil Liberties Union
- Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund
- Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC
- Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law
- Demos
- LatinoJustice PRLDEF– Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
- Legal Defense Fund (LDF)
- MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund)
- Native American Rights Fund
- Southern Coalition for Social Justice
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
