Leaders for American Democracy will prioritize an anti-corruption and voting rights agenda and fight back against policies designed to restrict the voice and vote of Americans
Efforts will include a special emphasis on key states including AZ, GA, MI, NV, NH, NC, PA, TX, WI, and VA
As the Republican Party and its dark money allies wage an all-out attack on democracy, End Citizens United // Let America Vote (ECU // LAV) is creating a new nationwide network of state and local elected officials, Leaders for American Democracy, to protect the freedom to vote, get big money out of politics, fight for fair representation in legislative districts, and protect our elections from sabotage.
The coordinated effort will primarily focus on voting rights and anti-corruption initiatives in state, county, and city governments throughout the country, and will help counter the extreme radical groups coordinating the outright attack on democracy across the nation.
“One of the most intense efforts in our country’s history to silence the voice and vote of the American people is unfolding right now, and we must do everything in our power to fight back,” said ECU // LAV President Tiffany Muller. “We’re forming this network of elected officials – from secretaries of state to mayors to city council members – to stop those self-serving politicians and their dark money allies from stripping Americans of their rights and freedoms in an effort to rig the system. Leaders for American Democracy will ensure that at every level of government we are fighting for people to have a say in our democracy on the important issues that affect their lives. The system should work for everyone, not just big donors and corporate interests.”
ECU // LAV expects to have 500 members within the first year with an emphasis on key states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin, and Virginia.
“I’m excited to join the Leaders for American Democracy coalition to take further action to protect our democracy,” said Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford. “It’s incumbent upon all of us to do everything we can to denounce the efforts aimed at preventing Americans from exercising their constitutional rights, and to ensure that people, not special interests, are in the driver’s seat of government. This coalition meets the urgency of the moment.”
“Colorado is considered the gold standard for elections, with vote by mail for all, weeks of early voting, and same day and automatic voter registration,”said Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “Every eligible American deserves the same type of access as Coloradans; they deserve to have their voice heard in safe and accessible elections, regardless of the color of skin, zip code, or the amount of money in their bank account. That’s why I am proud to join the Leaders for American Democracy, to work with stakeholders from around the nation on ensuring that everyone has a say in our democracy and on the issues that affect our lives.”
Members of the Leaders for American Democracy will:
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Speak out and fight back against anti-democracy policies and tactics, especially in key battleground states
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Pass pro-democracy and anti-corruption policies in states, cities, and counties
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Coordinate with elected officials across the country to create a united message
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Elevate and prioritize these issues in our local and national conversation
“Democracy is fragile and it requires all of us to be vigilant and active in maintaining it,” said Mayor Levar Stoney of Richmond. “Our legislature passed the Voting Rights Act of Virginia to make sure no politician or special interest group can erect barriers between voters and the ballot box. But the attacks on our democracy won’t stop. We need a unified effort to push back. I’m honored to join Leaders for American Democracy to do just that, so that it is the people who have the power in our government.”
ECU // LAV will host and convene the network and serve as a dedicated hub that provides a menu of policies, message guidance, and coordinates rapid response efforts to counter misinformation and anti-voter efforts. This will include talking points and messaging, policy suggestions and best practices, social media support, and access to polling on pro-democracy issues. The coalition also aims to build the next generation of officials who will champion these issues.
“All Georgians should have the right and freedom to vote and have a voice in our democracy. Georgia should be a leader on voting rights, not known for restrictive anti-voting laws that include making it a crime to give out water to people waiting in line to vote, and attempts to sabotage our elections, harass and replace local election officials, and intimidate voters,” said Georgia House Rep. Bee Nguyen. “I am proud to join the Leaders for American Democracy to fight back against self-serving politicians putting their political interests ahead of our free and fair elections and to ensure that everyone has equal access to the ballot.”
“Whether it’s at the county level, state level, or federal level, we need to unite as Americans to push back against the efforts to rig the system in favor of big donors and special interests,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “I’m honored to join Leaders for American Democracy because we need to make sure that safeguarding democracy is at the forefront of our work every day.”
“Hundreds of millions of dollars in dark money are spent in service of corporations and special interests. Dark money is wielded in the elections for all levels of government to get hold of power and influence. This is at the expense of everyday people for the benefit of the few and privileged,” said Tucson City Council Member Lane Santa Cruz. “We must fight back and put pro-democracy and anti-corruption policies in place starting right here at the city level. Through the city’s clean election program candidates have the option to run a principled campaign. This is a way to get big money out of local politics and give power to the decision to refuse dark money. We must support the next generation of leaders who will stand up against big money special interests and ensure that we have fair and just representation and the freedom to vote in safe, accurate, accessible elections.”
Founded in 2017 by former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, Let America Vote is dedicated to fighting back against anti-voter laws and protecting every American’s freedom to vote. In 2020, Let America Vote merged with End Citizens United, which was founded in 2015 to get big money out of politics. The groups formed one organization focused on tackling two of the biggest challenges facing our democracy: the corrupting influence of big money and attacks on the freedom to vote.
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