Campaign

Internet Access For All

Internet access has become crucial for participating in our Democracy. Yet the digital divide prevents over 4 million Americans from accessing internet connection.

The Digital Divide is the Civil Rights Issue of Our Time

Illustration of people in homes on devices looking up the following election information questions Am I Registered To Vote? What do i need to bring to vote? Who is on my ballot? Am i eligible to vote?

Why is Internet Access a Democracy Issue?

In the modern age, the internet is necessary for access to education, health care, and connection to friends and family. The past decade has also confirmed that internet access is crucial to actively participating in our modern democracy. Our phones, tablets, and laptops have become tools for:

  • Checking voter registration status online
  • Accessing voting instructions, wait times,  and deadlines
  • Looking up information about candidates/ ballot issues
  • Sharing election information with community members

The Digital Divide Leaves 1 in 5 Americans Disconnected. illustration of 4 houses and an apartment buildings with internet access. One of the houses does not have internet.

Why is the Digital Divide a problem?

1 in 5 Americans cannot afford the internet connection they need to participate as equals in our modern society.

This Digital Divide impacts the Black, Latine, Indigenous, Older, Low Income, and Disabled communities the most. These communities often exist in Information gaps making them vulnerable to mis and disinformation about our democratic process.

The Digital Divide by the Numbers

80%

of white americans have access to home internet

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/01/31/americans-use-of-mobile-technology-and-home-broadband/

68%

of Black americans have access to home internet

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/01/31/americans-use-of-mobile-technology-and-home-broadband/

86%

Of Suburban homes have access to home internet

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/01/31/americans-use-of-mobile-technology-and-home-broadband/

73%

Of Rural Homes have access to home internet

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/01/31/americans-use-of-mobile-technology-and-home-broadband/

65%

of Tribal Rural lands have access to home internet

https://www.bia.gov/service/infrastructure/expanding-broadband-access

41%

of Americans report using the internet almost constantly

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/01/31/americans-use-of-mobile-technology-and-home-broadband/

What is Internet like where you live?

What is Internet like where you live?

Help us hold power accountable to protecting our Digital Civil Rights!
We are looking for stories from everyday Americans on media issues that impact our lives, our access to reliable information, and participation in our democracy.

First look at what broadband looks like in your area and compare to other areas.

Second- Submit a challenge if the FCC map is inaccurate

Last- Tell us more about how internet access impacts your daily life

View the FCC's National Broadband Map Share your Story

What We’re Doing


Affordable Connectivity Program

Campaign

Affordable Connectivity Program

From checking one’s voter registration status online to finding the nearest polling location, internet access is crucial to actively taking part in democracy.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps ensure that everyone can get online.
#16for16

#16for16

A campaign to highlight the work of young people leading the movement to lower the voting age to 16.
Los Angeles Fair Redistricting

California Campaign

Los Angeles Fair Redistricting

California Common Cause is bringing an honest and open redistricting process to California, one city at a time.

Take Action


Have an Election Conversation

Event

Have an Election Conversation

Have election lies impacted the relationships in your life?

You are not alone! Bad Actors divide and distract voters across the country for their own personal gain. The good news is that we can ALL make a big difference in our communities.

Use our tools and resources designed to empower trusted messengers as we navigate conversations about media literacy and election lies.

Your financial support helps us make an impact by holding power accountable and strengthening democracy.

Donate

Related Resources

See all Related Resources

Guide

Media Literacy Skill: Lateral Searching

"What do I do if my loved ones do not trust verified sources of information?" is the #1 most asked question among trusted messengers navigating conversations about media literacy.

Lateral reading or lateral searching is a strategy that helps us to determine for ourselves who is a credible source of information.

Position Paper

How Title II Protects Our Digital Civil Rights

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