Frequently Asked Questions

Now that Donald Trump has been re-elected, where do we go from here?

At Common Cause, we have spent more than 50 years defending democracy by championing transparency, accountability, and justice.

Now, with critical institutions at risk—from our courts to our educational systems to the rights of vulnerable communities—we must act with clarity and unwavering resolve.

Our democracy cannot afford silence in the face of these threats. This is a time for steadfast commitment to the principles that bind us as a nation. We will take action and resist any and all attempts by the second Trump administration to erode our democracy.

What did Common Cause do during the first Trump administration? Are you going to do the same things this time around?

Common Cause organized, raised consciousness, litigated, lobbied, and took to the streets in defense of our democracy when Trump was first elected years ago – and we put up several important wins. You can read more about them on our website.

This time around, it won’t look the same, because the environment, the threats, and the country are in a different place than they were 8 years ago. But here’s something that won’t change: you and I must fight for the democracy we deserve.

We are committing to organizing across the country to ensure we are ready to protect our communities – whatever comes next.

Why should we bother doing anything when politicians don’t care what people like me think and won’t listen to what we say?

It can definitely feel frustrating when politicians don’t listen to their constituents – or when they’re too busy serving special interests or following partisan political agendas to do what’s right.

But even if we don’t win every single fight we take on – our advocacy teams rely on calls, emails, and petition signatures from members like you as a key part of their strategy.

That’s especially true on the state level, which is where many of the most impactful pro-democracy fights take place. State legislators don’t have anywhere near the funding that members of Congress do, which means the person reading your messages or answering your calls could be your representative themselves!

The impact of your advocacy doesn’t always look like totally stopping a bad law or passing our dream reforms – sometimes it means blocking the worst provisions of a bill from making it to the final version. This only happens when lawmakers face pressure from people like you.

What do you see as the biggest risks from a second Trump Administration? How can we know what to expect?

It’s impossible to say with any certainty this early – but the two things we’re watching closely are his personnel appointments (like Rep. Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, who we are opposing) and in the Project 2025 agenda and its companion piece, Agenda 47.

We’ll be staying vigilant so we can help piece together what’s for real, and what’s just a feint – but expect to hear from us the moment your action can help make a difference to limit the damage this Administration does to our democracy.

Is Common Cause truly nonpartisan? Are Republicans and conservatives or moderates who cherish due process and justice welcome here?

Common Cause is proudly nonpartisan – our members are Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who care about government that’s accountable to the people.

Particularly on the state level, we have a track record of working with anyone who shares our vision for a better democracy and opposing anyone who doesn’t — no matter their political party.

And the policies we support – like reining in money in politics, fair redistricting, and keeping our elections free, fair, and secure enjoy support from a supermajority of Americans. Good government and our right to vote shouldn’t be a partisan issue, period.

What steps are you taking to protect Common Cause and its staff and volunteers from crackdowns on political dissent?

Common Cause takes the safety and privacy of its members, volunteers, and staff with the utmost seriousness.

Please know that we would never and will never ask any part of our community to expose themselves to personal or legal risks – and that peacefully advocating for a better democracy is your constitutionally protected right.

So while we’re concerned about potential crackdowns on the right to dissent or criticize our leaders during the second Trump Administration, we’ve invested substantial resources in safeguarding ourselves and our members precisely because we knew we might need to someday.

How can Common Cause help to stem the dissemination of lies and disinformation that played a major role in this election?

Election misinformation is a serious problem – it discourages voters, weakens the public’s trust in our democracy, and fuels voter suppression legislation on the state and national level.

But the good news is, we know that the best antidote to these lies is telling the truth – backed by trusted sources, through one-on-one conversations with those closest to us.

That’s why we’ve created a team of Digital Democracy Activists, who volunteer their time & skills to lead their community in the fight for a better digital democracy. If you’d like to get involved and do your part to stop disinformation, we encourage you to sign up today >>

I’m worried about the threats Trump made as a candidate to immigrants, LGBTQ+ people, and women who want to control their own bodies. How can Common Cause help?

Common Cause’s mission is not only one of fixing broken systems of governance but also, and more importantly, changing inequitable systems that are working as designed to prevent a democracy that works for everyone.

So, in a moment where marginalized communities are facing increased threats new and old, we’re committed to serving in solidarity with them – and following the leadership from our partners who are led by people most impacted.

Common Cause’s primary focus as an organization is strengthening democracy, which certainly intersects with how too many people have been left out and left behind. But if you’re interested in working more directly on some of these issues, we encourage you to volunteer your time and money with these partner organizations of ours:

• BAJI
• United We Dream 
• RAICES
• No More Deaths
• National Network of Abortion Funds
• SisterSong 
• Advocates for Youth 
• Marsha P Johnson Institute

I saw something that looked suspicious online, was the 2024 election stolen?

No – there is a lot of misinformation floating around, but we encourage you not to add to it.

Common Cause closely observed this election from the primaries through early voting and Election Day, there’s nothing we’ve seen that suggests this election was anything short of free, fair, and secure.

Election officials did their jobs, like they did in 2020, and like they do every year. And spreading unverified anecdotes without getting the facts straight will help those who want to foment mistrust in our democracy and suppress our votes.

So even if you don’t like this election’s result, we can’t turn into election deniers. Common Cause respects the peaceful transfer of power, we trust our election officials to count our votes, and we believe voters should have the final say in our democracy.

I’m ready to do what it takes! How can I help?

We’re still analyzing the landscape for 2025 and identifying the most pressing threats and opportunities that will result from these election results – at the federal, state, and local level.

No matter what’s coming though, we’ll be counting on Common Cause members like you to do what’s right – because when We the People come together, we can make a real and lasting difference.

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