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Direct Democracy
Common Cause is defending the right to place the issues we care about on the ballot before the voters -- a right that is under attack across the country.
One of the most important ways that everyday people can make change in our government is through ballot initiatives. In many states, after advocates collect enough signatures, questions about key issues will be put on the ballot. Voters can then directly decide on new voting laws, housing policies, reproductive justice measures, and much more.
However, some politicians want to silence voters by restricting ballot initiatives or eliminating them all together. Common Cause is committed to defending direct democracy against these threats.
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5 Ways Common Cause Defended Democracy in the First Trump Administration
Here’s just a few examples of how members like you made a positive impact during the first Trump Administration.
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2023 Wrapped: The Top Common Cause Led Victories of the Year
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Seven Pro-Democracy Wins Powered by Common Cause Women
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What is Project 2025?
Project 2025 is a dangerous policy playbook being pushed by extremists. It could threaten basic freedoms by gutting checks and balances and consolidating power in the office of the president, like other authoritarian governments.
News Clip
Rolling Stone: The Dirty Tricks the GOP Is Using to Keep Abortion Off the Ballot in 2024
The landscape, meanwhile, is dramatically different in Democrat-controlled states. In Maryland, advocates have experienced virtually no resistance whatsoever, and say they are aware of no organized opposition. “We’re expecting a disinformation campaign,” says Joanne Antoine, executive director of Common Cause Maryland. “But outside of that we’re not hearing anything at all.”
News Clip
The Guardian: Ohio voted to protect abortion rights. Republicans are scheming to undo it
“There is a disconnect between what voters want and what the legislature wants,” said Catherine Turcer, executive director of Common Cause Ohio. “It just highlights how gerrymandered the state legislature is.”
