Legislation
The Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA)
We must restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act and eliminate barriers to the ballot box.
Youth Voting
Young people are the future of our democracy, and Common Cause is winning reforms that empower the next generation to take action.
From gun violence to climate change to the cost of college, young people are directly impacted by today’s public policy decisions. Common Cause fights to ensure that they have a meaningful say in our democracy by lowering the voting age to 16, bringing on democracy fellows who engage their college campuses in pro-democracy work, and leading other youth voting efforts.
What We’re Doing
Campaign
Election Protection
Our votes are our voice in determining the future of our communities and country. Common Cause mobilizes volunteers to assist voters navigate the voting process.
Take Action
Voting Tools
Verify Election Claims
With the threat of disinformation, voters need to know the facts! Verify election claims and information using our trusted sources
Letter Campaign
Write Your Representative: Pass The Youth Voting Rights Act!
Voting is a fundamental right in any democracy. It’s time to secure that right for all Americans by passing the Youth Voting Rights Act. This landmark bill would: Expand voter registration on campus Let young people in every state pre-register to vote before turning 18. Require colleges & universities to have on-campus polling places. Block state laws meant to suppress the youth vote. Invest in young people’s participation in our democracy. Young voters deserve more...
Your financial support helps us make an impact by holding power accountable and strengthening democracy.
Updates
Blog Post
Celebrating Our Future Leaders in Civic Engagement
Blog Post
Seven Pro-Democracy Wins Powered by Common Cause Women
Blog Post
Introducing Common Cause’s Alliance for Emerging Power, A Coalition of Future Leaders Our Democracy Needs
From our founding in 1970 through today, a core principle of Common Cause is that as more eligible Americans participate, our democracy becomes stronger.
Related Resources
Voting Tool
Find My Polling Place
Democracy works best when we all do our civic duty and vote. Pick your state from this list to find out where you need to go to cast your ballot.
Voting Tool
Find My Local Election Office
Use this secure tool to look up your local election office.
Voting Tool
Verify My Voter Registration Status
Make sure you are registered to vote! It takes less than 30 seconds to check your registration status with our free, secure tool. And if you're not registered, we'll help you register.
Voting Tool
Track My Ballot
This election year, we're encouraging voters to check the status of their absentee ballot. It only takes a couple of minutes – click on your state below to get started.
Press
Press Release
Common Cause Urges Passage of Youth Voting Rights Act
On the anniversary of the ratification of the 26th Amendment, Common Cause reaffirms its commitment to further protecting and expanding youth access to the ballot, urging Congress to pass the Youth Voting Rights Act of 2023.
News Clip
Yahoo! News/Texas Tribune: Most 18-year-old Texans aren’t signed up to vote despite a law requiring voter registration in high schools
Katya Ehresman, voting rights program manager at Common Cause Texas, noted that some states reward schools that register students. Tennessee acknowledges schools that reach a certain voter registration threshold, and Pennsylvania has a governor’s civic engagement award to celebrate schools that register 85% of eligible students to vote, for example.
Common Cause also recommends that the secretary of state’s office mail each school voter registration applications, instead of requiring schools to request them twice a year.
Common Cause also recommends that the secretary of state’s office mail each school voter registration applications, instead of requiring schools to request them twice a year.
Press Release
Common Cause Hire Bolsters Voting & Democracy Program for 2024 Election
With the 2024 primaries underway and the general election fast approaching, Common Cause is pleased to announce Jay Young as its Senior Director of Voting & Democracy. In the newly-created position, he will oversee the organization’s legislative, operational, and legal strategies to advance reforms that allow all Americans to participate in elections and to oppose efforts to restrict voting rights.