With the 2022 midterm election around the corner, we must do everything we can to safeguard fair elections, protect the right to vote, and ensure that voting rights laws and district maps are fairly based on facts and evidence—not political manipulation.
We cannot build the fair, equitable, science-based policies we need unless we have a healthy, functioning democracy where everyone’s voice can be heard. The science community, like every part of civil society, must stand up for democracy before it’s too late.
It is people like you—who value scientific integrity, fairness, and accountability—that can take on these threats and help build a winning coalition with the power to protect democracy and create smarter, stronger, more equitable policies.
Here's how you can get involved right now
Use our Action Guide with 3 clear actions to get out the vote — and protect it: 1) “Tripling the vote” 2) Helping people make a “vote plan” 3) Volunteering with the Election Protection Project to be a poll watcher
Get (and share!) the tools, tips, and action opportunities you need to effectively fight back against disinformation at act.ucsusa.org/DisinfoDefense.
Take the time to talk with others in your personal networks to protect voting rights — You are the most powerful person to influence other people in your networks. In this training, you'll learn the most effective skills for getting people to vote and take action to protect voting rights. Our how-to guide on Effective One-on-One Meetings for Mobilizing People into Action for Voting Rights highlights the key things you should know.
Call your senators today to keep the pressure on to change the filibuster and pass critical voting rights legislation such as the Freedom to Vote Act and Electoral Count Act.
Watch our video on what to expect this election cycle and what you can do to protect the vote
Learn more
Blog: Hang Tight Tonight
Blog: The Shared Fate of Science and Democracy
Blog: Scientists must get involved in democracy reform
Report: Building a Healthier Democracy: The Link between Voting Rights and Environmental Justice
Podcast with Shireen Mitchell: How Digital Disinformation Targets Voters
Podcast with Adrienne Jones: Voter Suppression: We Can Fight (and Win) Fair Elections
Tool: Science and Civics Guide. You can share using our social media toolkit, featuring sample language and cool new graphics!
From our partners: 500 Women Scientists' guide to supporting democracy through elections
From our partners: Lawyers Committee on Civil Rights’ Election Protection Project
Follow the latest blogs from Dr. Michael Latner, Democracy and Justice Senior Fellow at UCS, and others on the state of voting rights and electoral integrity here https://blog.ucsusa.org/tag/voter-suppression/.
Related resources
Science Hub for Climate Litigation
Fair Maps
Equitable Ballot Design
