An Urgent Call to Action for Legal Professionals
Across the country, election systems face growing threats, from deliberate misinformation to widespread misunderstandings about how the systems function. Democracy, and the freedoms it ensures, are at risk, and without action, these threats will only intensify.
Legal professionals have both the responsibility and the unique ability to act. Bound by an oath to protect the Constitution and uphold the rule of law, we must correct misinformation and confront those who seek to undermine public trust or compromise election systems.
To support this effort, the ABA Democracy Task Force has identified key issues endangering election integrity. Use the time-based action recommendations below to engage immediately on any of these issues and make a tangible impact.
Each issue page provides access to interactive tools, research, analysis, and downloadable resources for effective use and distribution.
Time-Based Actions
Only have a few minutes to spare? Here are five ways you can make a difference without leaving your desk.
- Share our website with at least five legal professionals. Challenge them to do the same.
- Join our mailing list by completing this form.
- Sign and share Lawyers Defending American Democracy's Democracy Commitment Pledge.
- Watch and share C
Only have a few minutes to spare? Here are five ways you can make a difference without leaving your desk.
- Share our website with at least five legal professionals. Challenge them to do the same.
- Join our mailing list by completing this form.
- Sign and share Lawyers Defending American Democracy's Democracy Commitment Pledge.
- Watch and share Counting the Vote: A Firing Line Special with Margaret Hoover (PBS, Aug. 27, 2024)
- Explore and share additional volunteer opportunities for legal professionals at WeTheAction.org.
Do you have more than just a few minutes, but not a lot of time to spare? Here are five impactful actions you can take.
- Be a poll watcher (contact your political party's local office to sign up).
- Tour your local election headquarters. See firsthand the checks and balances and security measures that are in place. Spread the word and encourag
Do you have more than just a few minutes, but not a lot of time to spare? Here are five impactful actions you can take.
- Be a poll watcher (contact your political party's local office to sign up).
- Tour your local election headquarters. See firsthand the checks and balances and security measures that are in place. Spread the word and encourages others to tour theirs.
- Use the links and research provided to learn about, analyze, and monitor election-related legislation in your state.
- Share your legal opinion and analysis of local legislation with elected officials, colleagues, family, and friends. Recruit others to do the same.
- Speak out and correct the spread of misinformation when you see or hear it. Use the non-partisan resources on this website for trustworthy citations.
If you have the time, these are five high impact actions that you can take to protect the rule of law and promote election integrity in your area. (FIX THIS)
- Monitor your local election board activities. Attend their meetings in person or virtually.
- Learn about proposed rules or rule changes under consideration and offer public comment in
If you have the time, these are five high impact actions that you can take to protect the rule of law and promote election integrity in your area. (FIX THIS)
- Monitor your local election board activities. Attend their meetings in person or virtually.
- Learn about proposed rules or rule changes under consideration and offer public comment in person and in writing. Bring others do the same.
- Sign up with Election Official Legal Defense Network (EOLDN) and Campaign Legal Center (CLC) to provide legal services to election workers.
- Write an op-ed for your local news publication
- Organize an event focused on any of these key issues; in person or virtual. We are happy to help facilitate this.
Issues
Search election code and track election related legislation. Read expert analysis, share downloads and help others understand the law.
Explore how elections are administered and certified. Learn about different types of ballots and their governing rules. Use our resources to teach others what happens between voting and inauguration day.
Understand the threat posed by false claims of fraud; know fact from fiction; do your part to protect and promote the integrity of our election system.
Learn what happens if errors or discrepancies are identified after election day. Help others understand common legal procedures like audits, recounts, and challenges.