Litigation
Common Cause v. Trump (Census)
In 2020, Common Cause sued former President Trump for unconstitutionally depriving immigrant communities from equal representation in Congress.
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
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
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?
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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
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
What We’re Doing
California Litigation
Legislature of the State of California v. Padilla Amicus Letters
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we submitted amicus letters in support of extending the deadlines for submission of new district maps by the state’s independent redistricting commission.
Litigation
People Not Politicians Oregon v. Clarno
The People Not Politicians Oregon coalition sued Oregon’s secretary of state to ensure that all of the signatures gathered to qualify its redistricting reform initiative for the November 2020 ballot will count.
Litigation
Daunt v. Benson/Michigan Republican Party v. Benson
North Carolina Litigation
Common Cause v. Lewis
Common Cause successfully challenged North Carolina’s state legislative map. After some of the map was struck down as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander in 2017, leaders in the legislature announced they would redraw districts on partisan grounds. On September 3, 2019, a three-judge trial court struck down the districts as a violation of the North Carolina Constitution.
