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


Keep Florida Voting

Florida Campaign

Keep Florida Voting

New laws and voting rules can be confusing, but together we can make sure all eligible Florida voters have access to the ballot box.
Election Protection Project in Indiana

Indiana Campaign

Election Protection Project in Indiana

Every federal election year Common Cause Indiana recruits, trains, and deploys volunteers to help voters at risk of being disenfranchised.
Overcoming Big Money Influence

Oregon Campaign

Overcoming Big Money Influence

Common Cause Oregon is strengthening every voice, not just the voices of the wealthy few.
2024 Trump Disqualification Lawsuit

Colorado

2024 Trump Disqualification Lawsuit

On January 30, 2024, Common Cause filed a brief before the U.S. Supreme Court urging them to disqualify Donald Trump under the 14th Amendment.

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

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Related Resources

See all Related Resources

Position Paper

How Title II Protects Our Digital Civil Rights

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