Protect Democracy
{{Short description|American non-profit organization}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = Protect Democracy
| formation = November 2016
| logo = PD Logo RGB Red Blue.png
| founder = Ian Bassin
Justin Florence
Emily Loeb
| type = 501(c) nonprofit organization
| purpose = Anti-authoritarianism advocacy
| region = United States
| leader_title = Executive Director
| leader_name = Ian Bassin
| website = {{URL|protectdemocracy.org}}
}}
Protect Democracy is a nonprofit organization based in the United States.{{Cite web|last=Dovere|first=Edward-Isaac|title=Obama lawyers form 'worst-case scenario' group to tackle Trump|url=https://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/obama-trump-lawyers-worst-case-235280|access-date=2021-11-23|website=POLITICO|date=23 February 2017|language=en|archive-date=2019-05-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517081121/https://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/obama-trump-lawyers-worst-case-235280|url-status=live}} A nonpartisan group, Protect Democracy seeks to check what it believes are authoritarian attacks on U.S. democracy.{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Jennifer |date=March 18, 2018 |title=Opinion {{!}} What authoritarians do: Attack the apolitical administration of justice |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2018/03/18/what-authoritarians-do-attack-the-apolitical-administration-of-justice/ |access-date=2021-11-23 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |archive-date=2019-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305115448/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2018/03/18/what-authoritarians-do-attack-the-apolitical-administration-of-justice/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Howell |first1=William |last2=Moe |first2=Terry |date=November 1, 2021 |title=Analysis {{!}} Big government vastly expanded presidential power. Republicans use it to sabotage the administrative state. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/11/01/big-government-vastly-expanded-presidential-power-republicans-use-it-sabotage-administrative-state/ |access-date=2021-11-23 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=2021-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202060113/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/11/01/big-government-vastly-expanded-presidential-power-republicans-use-it-sabotage-administrative-state/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Savannah Behrmann and Kristine |title=More than 2,000 ex-DOJ employees call for Attorney General Barr's resignation |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/02/16/william-barr-doj-alumnus-call-ag-resign/4779721002/ |access-date=2021-11-23 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=2020-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220204206/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/02/16/william-barr-doj-alumnus-call-ag-resign/4779721002/ |url-status=live }}
Protect Democracy states that it seeks to use litigation, legislative and communications strategies, technology, research, and analysis to stand up for free and fair elections, the rule of law, fact-based debate, and a better democracy for future generations.{{Cite web |last=Kleinfeld |first=Rachel |author-link=Rachel Kleinfeld |title=Five Strategies to Support U.S. Democracy |url=https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2022/09/five-strategies-to-support-us-democracy?lang=en |website=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace |access-date=2023-03-22 |archive-date=2022-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915223727/https://carnegieendowment.org/2022/09/15/five-strategies-to-support-u.s.-democracy-pub-87918 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Keen |first=Andrew |author-link=Andrew Keen |date=October 2020 |title=How to Fix Democracy with Ian Bassin S2E22 |url=https://humanityinaction.org/knowledge_detail/how-to-fix-democracy-with-ian-bassin-s2e22/?lang=bs |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=Humanity in Action |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322193731/https://humanityinaction.org/knowledge_detail/how-to-fix-democracy-with-ian-bassin-s2e22/?lang=bs |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Bassin |first1=Ian |last2=Florence |first2=Justin |date=2020-11-27 |title=Op-Ed: To stamp out Trumpism, the U.S. needs to deal with these six things |url=https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-11-27/defeating-trumpism-autocrat-political-movement |access-date=2022-09-19 |website=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=2022-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920172907/https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-11-27/defeating-trumpism-autocrat-political-movement |url-status=live }} According to Time Magazine, the group is a "defender of America's system of government against the threat of authoritarianism."{{cite magazine | last=Ball | first=Molly | title=Trench Lawfare: Inside the Battles to Save Democracy From the Trump Administration | magazine=TIME | date=June 25, 2020 | url=https://time.com/5859215/protect-democracy-trump/ | access-date=January 17, 2024 | archive-date=January 30, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130023317/https://time.com/5859215/protect-democracy-trump/ | url-status=live }}
In 2023, Protect Democracy was named as one of five winners of the 2023 Skoll Award for Social Innovation by the Skoll Foundation.{{Cite web |last=Blow |first=Marla |date=April 5, 2023 |title=Skoll Foundation announces 2023 Social Innovation Award winners |url=https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/skoll-foundation-announces-2023-social-innovation-award-winners |website=Philanthropy News Digest |access-date=September 20, 2023 |archive-date=April 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414200723/https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/skoll-foundation-announces-2023-social-innovation-award-winners |url-status=live }}
Leadership
In 2016, Protect Democracy was co-founded by Ian Bassin, Justin Florence, and Emily Loeb, who served as lawyers in the White House Counsel’s Office under former President Barack Obama.{{Cite web |last=Barber |first=C. Ryan |date=January 25, 2021 |title=Emily Loeb, Jenner Partner and Co-Founder of Protect Democracy, Joins Biden DOJ |url=https://www.law.com/nationallawjournal/2021/01/25/emily-loeb-jenner-partner-and-co-founder-of-protect-democracy-joins-biden-doj/ |access-date=2021-11-23 |website=National Law Journal |language=en |archive-date=2021-11-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123170631/https://www.law.com/nationallawjournal/2021/01/25/emily-loeb-jenner-partner-and-co-founder-of-protect-democracy-joins-biden-doj/ |url-status=live }} In forming the organization, Protect Democracy's founders consulted with political scientists who later became members of the group's board of advisers, including Harvard University political scientists Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt.{{Cite web|last=Ziblatt|first=Steven Levitsky and Daniel|date=2021-07-09|title=The Biggest Threat to Democracy Is the GOP Stealing the Next Election|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/07/democracy-could-die-2024/619390/|access-date=2021-11-29|website=The Atlantic|language=en|archive-date=2021-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130010818/https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/07/democracy-could-die-2024/619390/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Levitsky |first=Steven |date=November 18, 2019 |title=How Democracies Die: US Democracy Three Years After Trump's Election |url=http://www.cornell.edu/video/steven-levitsky-us-democracy-three-years-after-trumps-election |access-date=2021-11-29 |website=CornellCast |language=en |type=Video |archive-date=2021-11-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130002520/https://www.cornell.edu/video/steven-levitsky-us-democracy-three-years-after-trumps-election |url-status=live }}
Bassin, a former White House associate counsel, serves as the executive director of Protect Democracy.{{Cite news |date=January 10, 2021 |title=What Might Accountability For President Trump Look Like? |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/01/10/955479397/what-might-holding-president-trump-accountable-look-like |access-date=2021-11-23 |work=NPR |language=en |edition=}} He was named a "MacArthur genius" in 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-21 |title=‘Our institutions don’t protect themselves’ |url=https://www.votebeat.org/2023/10/21/23925246/ian-bassin-protect-democracy-macarthur-genius-grant/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Votebeat |language=en |archive-date=2024-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414135522/https://www.votebeat.org/2023/10/21/23925246/ian-bassin-protect-democracy-macarthur-genius-grant/ |url-status=live }} The following year, Bassin and Florence were named to the Time 100 Next list in an article written by John Dean, former White House Counsel to Richard Nixon.{{Cite web |title=Meet the 2024 TIME100 Next |url=https://time.com/collection/time100-next-2024/ |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=TIME |language=en}}
Activities
= Accountability of candidates and elected officials =
Protect Democracy advocates for maintaining a strong separation between the White House and the Justice Department. In 2020, the group collected letters from hundreds of DOJ alumni, calling for former Attorney General William Barr to step down.{{Cite news|last=Benner|first=Katie|date=2020-02-16|title=Former Justice Dept. Lawyers Press for Barr to Step Down|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/16/us/politics/barr-trump-justice-department.html|access-date=2021-11-23|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2020-02-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217225428/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/16/us/politics/barr-trump-justice-department.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Barr |first=Luke |date=February 17, 2020 |title=More than 2,000 former DOJ officials call on Attorney General William Barr to resign |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/1100-doj-officials-call-william-barr-resign/story?id=69030388 |access-date=2021-11-23 |website=ABC News |language=en |archive-date=2020-05-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517014837/https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/1100-doj-officials-call-william-barr-resign/story?id=69030388 |url-status=live }} The DOJ alumni also claimed the Mueller report presented enough evidence to charge former President Donald Trump with obstruction of justice.{{Cite web|last=Dugyala|first=Rishika|title=Former Justice employees urge Barr to resign|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2020/02/16/former-justice-employees-urge-barr-resign-115597|access-date=2021-11-23|website=POLITICO|date=16 February 2020|language=en|archive-date=2021-11-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123081855/https://www.politico.com/news/2020/02/16/former-justice-employees-urge-barr-resign-115597|url-status=live}}
Protect Democracy has criticized both Democrats and Republicans over resisting congressional oversight.{{Cite web|title=Transcript: All In with Chris Hayes, 10/19/21|url=https://www.msnbc.com/transcripts/transcript-all-chris-hayes-10-19-21-n1281954|access-date=2021-11-29|website=MSNBC.com|date=20 October 2021|language=en|archive-date=2021-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129234703/https://www.msnbc.com/transcripts/transcript-all-chris-hayes-10-19-21-n1281954|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Williamson|first=Elizabeth|date=2021-01-11|title=Beyond Impeachment, a Push for Ethics Laws That Do Not Depend on Shame|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/11/us/politics/trump-ethics-democracy-biden.html|access-date=2021-11-29|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2021-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129234703/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/11/us/politics/trump-ethics-democracy-biden.html|url-status=live}} In 2021, the group represented 66 former members of Congress, including two dozen Republicans, challenging Trump’s efforts to block the January 6th Select Committee from accessing his presidential records.{{Cite web|last=Cheney|first=Kyle|title=Former lawmakers urge court to reject Trump effort to stymie Jan. 6 committee|url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/10/28/former-lawmakers-legal-brief-jan-6-committee-517464|access-date=2021-11-29|website=POLITICO|date=28 October 2021|language=en|archive-date=2021-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129234703/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/10/28/former-lawmakers-legal-brief-jan-6-committee-517464|url-status=live}} During the 2020 election, Bassin urged then-candidate Joe Biden to reverse course after declaring he would defy a subpoena if called to testify in Trump’s first impeachment.{{Cite news|last=Nadeau|first=Barbie Latza|date=2019-12-28|title=Biden Says He Would Defy Impeachment Subpoena—Then Tries to 'Clarify'|language=en|work=The Daily Beast|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/joe-biden-says-he-would-defy-impeachment-subpoenathen-tries-to-clarify|access-date=2021-11-29|archive-date=2021-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129234704/https://www.thedailybeast.com/joe-biden-says-he-would-defy-impeachment-subpoenathen-tries-to-clarify|url-status=live}} Biden eventually backed off his comments.{{Cite web|last=Aleem|first=Zeeshan|date=2019-12-28|title=Joe Biden explains why he said he'd defy a subpoena to testify in the Senate impeachment trial|url=https://www.vox.com/2019/12/28/21040267/impeachment-trial-joe-biden-defy-subpoena|access-date=2021-11-29|website=Vox|language=en|archive-date=2021-11-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129234703/https://www.vox.com/2019/12/28/21040267/impeachment-trial-joe-biden-defy-subpoena|url-status=live}}
Following the January 6th Capitol riots, Protect Democracy represented Capitol Police officers suing Trump under the Klan Act for his role in inciting the crowd.{{Cite web |last=Cheney |first=Kyle |title=Police officer lawsuits pile up against Trump over Jan. 6 |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2022/01/04/police-officer-lawsuits-capitol-riot-trump-526491 |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=POLITICO |date=4 January 2022 |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Emily |date=January 4, 2022 |title=Another U.S. Capitol Police officer sues Trump for damages from Jan. 6 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/04/capitol-police-officer-sues-trump/ |access-date=2022-09-23 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} In February 2022, the Court denied Trump’s motion to dismiss the case.{{Cite web |last1=Polantz |first1=Katelyn |last2=Cohen |first2=Marshall |last3=Sneed |first3=Tierney |date=2022-02-18 |title=Judge says Trump could be culpable for January 6 and says lawsuits against the former President can proceed {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/18/politics/trump-giuliani-swalwell-january-6-lawsuit/index.html |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=2022-02-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223171254/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/18/politics/trump-giuliani-swalwell-january-6-lawsuit/index.html |url-status=live }} In an amicus brief filed in the case, the DOJ rejected Trump’s claim to have blanket immunity from civil liability for his conduct in office.{{Cite news |last=Savage |first=Charlie |date=2023-03-02 |title=Lawsuit Against Trump Over Capitol Attack Should Proceed, Justice Dept. Says |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/02/us/politics/trump-jan-6-lawsuits.html |access-date=2023-03-14 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2023-03-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313132214/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/02/us/politics/trump-jan-6-lawsuits.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=@ARozenshtein |date=2023-03-08 |title=In the Jan. 6 Lawsuits, the Justice Department Cuts Trump Loose |url=https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/evaluating-jan-6-committees-evidence-full |access-date=2023-03-14 |website=Lawfare |language=en}} In December 2023, a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit ruled that Trump was not immune from prosecution for his actions on January 6.{{Cite news |last=Weiner |first=Rachel |last2=Hsu |first2=Spencer S. |date=2023-12-02 |title=Trump not immune from criminal, civil liability over Jan. 6, judges rule |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/12/01/trump-can-be-sued-jan-6-immunity/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |work=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=2023-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203182549/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/12/01/trump-can-be-sued-jan-6-immunity/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Polantz |first=Katelyn |date=2023-12-01 |title=Trump doesn’t have presidential immunity from lawsuits over January 6, appeals court rules {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/01/politics/trump-presidential-immunity-january-6-lawsuits/index.html |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=2023-12-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201172018/https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/01/politics/trump-presidential-immunity-january-6-lawsuits/index.html |url-status=live }}
Protect Democracy also represented Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman in a case against former Trump aides and allies, accusing them of intimidating and retaliating against him for testifying against Trump during his first impeachment.{{Cite web |last=Vance |first=Joyce |date=February 14, 2022 |title=Opinion {{!}} Why Alexander Vindman's Trump White House lawsuit matters |url=https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/alexander-vindman-s-trump-white-house-lawsuit-matters-n1289008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923143633/https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/alexander-vindman-s-trump-white-house-lawsuit-matters-n1289008 |archive-date=2022-09-23 |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=MSNBC.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Leonard |first=Mike |date=February 2, 2022 |title=Trump's Son Sued by Ukraine Whistleblower for Retaliation (3) |url=https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/trumps-son-sued-by-ukraine-whistleblower-for-impeachment-retaliation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923143635/https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/trumps-son-sued-by-ukraine-whistleblower-for-impeachment-retaliation |archive-date=2022-09-23 |access-date=2022-09-23 |website=Bloomberg Law |language=en}}
The group sued the 2016 Trump campaign on behalf of Jessica Denson, a former Trump campaign staffer, in an attempt to invalidate the non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that she and other staffers were made to sign.{{Cite web |last=Gerstein |first=Josh |title=Court voids Trump campaign’s non-disclosure agreement |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/30/trump-campaign-non-disclosure-agreement-478648 |website=Politico |access-date=2024-09-19 |archive-date=2024-09-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916132213/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/30/trump-campaign-non-disclosure-agreement-478648 |url-status=live }} Denson got her own NDA overturned in 2021, and two years later, a judge ruled that her victory extends to all who signed the NDA.{{Cite web |last=Durkee |first=Alison |title=Trump NDAs Scrapped: Hundreds Of 2016 Campaign Staffers Can Now Publicly Criticize Him As Court Finalizes Settlement |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2023/10/12/trump-ndas-scrapped-hundreds-of-2016-campaign-staffers-can-now-publicly-criticize-him-as-court-finalizes-settlement/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=2024-04-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402151013/https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2023/10/12/trump-ndas-scrapped-hundreds-of-2016-campaign-staffers-can-now-publicly-criticize-him-as-court-finalizes-settlement/ |url-status=live }}
= First Amendment work =
Protect Democracy’s litigation has advocated on behalf of First Amendment rights. In 2019, the organization filed a lawsuit on behalf of Reverend Kaji Douša, challenging a previously secret Department of Homeland Security (DHS) surveillance operation that targeted activists, journalists, lawyers, and faith leaders, all of whom spoke out against the Trump administration.{{Cite web |date=2019-07-09 |title=Pastor sues DHS over government surveillance program targeting migrant advocates |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/pastor-sues-dhs-over-government-surveillance-program-targeting-migrant-advocates-story.html |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=Baltimore Sun |archive-date=2023-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929125142/https://www.baltimoresun.com/pastor-sues-dhs-over-government-surveillance-program-targeting-migrant-advocates-story.html |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |last=Flores |first=Adolfo |date=2019-07-09 |title=A Pastor Who Was Put On A Watch List After Working With Immigrants Is Suing The US |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/adolfoflores/pastor-watchlist-immigrants-lawsuit |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=BuzzFeed News |language=en |archive-date=2023-09-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925162322/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/adolfoflores/pastor-watchlist-immigrants-lawsuit |url-status=live }} In 2023, a federal judge in California ruled that U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the DHS violated Douša’s rights by retaliating against her for ministering to migrants and refugees.{{Cite web |last=Riggins |first=Alex |date=2023-03-23 |title=A pastor sued DHS over a border surveillance program. A judge just ruled in her favor. |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2023-03-22/pastor-dousa-suing-dhs |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=San Diego Union-Tribune |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929125144/https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/courts/story/2023-03-22/pastor-dousa-suing-dhs |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Eakin |first=Britain |date=March 22, 2023 |title=CBP Flouted Pastor's First Amendment Rights, Judge Says - Law360 |url=https://www.law360.com/articles/1588707/cbp-flouted-pastor-s-first-amendment-rights-judge-says |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=law360 |language=en}}
In another 2023 lawsuit filed on behalf of Penguin Random House, PEN America, and individuals in Florida, Protect Democracy worked with Ballard Spahr to challenge the constitutionality of the Escambia County School District’s removal and restriction of books discussing race, racism, or LGBTQ issues from public school libraries.{{Cite web |last=Soule |first=Douglas |date=May 17, 2023 |title=Nation's largest publisher files federal suit to block Florida county's book ban |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/05/17/largest-us-publisher-files-lawsuit-against-florida-county-book-ban/70227672007/ |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929125142/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/05/17/largest-us-publisher-files-lawsuit-against-florida-county-book-ban/70227672007/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Jennifer |date=2023-05-28 |title=Opinion {{!}} This is how you fight fascism |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/05/26/rubin-newsletter-fighting-fascism/ |access-date=2023-09-25 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=2023-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602215946/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/05/26/rubin-newsletter-fighting-fascism/ |url-status=live }}
A third lawsuit, filed on behalf of several businesses in Florida, challenged the state’s Stop WOKE Act.{{Cite news |last=Kaur |first=Anumita |date=2024-03-08 |title=Appeals court blocks Fla. ‘Stop Woke Act,’ says it’s a ‘First Amendment sin’ |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/03/04/appeals-court-blocks-florida-stop-woke-act/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |work=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} In March 2024, a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit of Appeals upheld a lower court’s injunction blocking enforcement of the law, ruling that Florida businesses' speech rights were improperly restricted.{{Cite web |last=Falconer |first=Rebecca |title=Appeals court denounces Florida's "Stop Woke Act" as "1st Amendment sin" |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/03/05/florida-stop-woke-act-appeals-court-block |website=Axios |access-date=2024-09-19 |archive-date=2024-04-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419190728/https://www.axios.com/2024/03/05/florida-stop-woke-act-appeals-court-block |url-status=live }}
= Law for Truth =
The group also launched "Law for Truth", which uses defamation law to impose accountability on those who spread election disinformation.{{Cite news |date=March 12, 2022 |title=Could libel lawsuits squash misinformation? |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/03/12/1086274333/libel-suits-and-disinfo |access-date=2022-04-28 |work=NPR.org |language=en |archive-date=2022-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428155227/https://www.npr.org/2022/03/12/1086274333/libel-suits-and-disinfo |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Kroll |first=Andy |date=2021-12-24 |title=Election Workers Sue Giuliani for Peddling B.S. About Them |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/giuliani-one-america-news-lawsuit-georgia-1275655/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}} Law for Truth has brought lawsuits on behalf of Ruby Freeman and Wandrea' ArShaye Moss, two election workers in Georgia, and a postmaster in Pennsylvania, who suffered online and offline threats to their safety due to false media stories about their alleged involvement in election fraud.{{Cite news |last=Epstein |first=Reid J. |date=2021-12-02 |title=Two Election Workers Targeted by Pro-Trump Media Sue for Defamation |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/02/us/politics/gateway-pundit-defamation-lawsuit.html |access-date=2022-04-28 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2022-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429230450/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/02/us/politics/gateway-pundit-defamation-lawsuit.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Tani |first1=Max |last2=Gerstein |first2=Josh |last3=Montellaro |first3=Zach |date=December 23, 2021 |title=2 Georgia poll workers sue Giuliani, OAN over election conspiracy theories |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/12/23/georgia-poll-workers-sue-giuliani-oan-526122 |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=POLITICO |language=en |archive-date=2022-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428155227/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/12/23/georgia-poll-workers-sue-giuliani-oan-526122 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hasen |first=Rick |author-link=Richard L. Hasen |date=August 16, 2021 |title="Protect Democracy Joins Defamation Suit Against Project Veritas: Right-Wing Group Maliciously Lied About a PA Postmaster In the Aftermath of 2020 Election" {{!}} Election Law Blog |url=https://electionlawblog.org/?p=124121 |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=Election Law Blog |language=en-US}} Freeman and Moss, who sued One America News Network, Rudy Giuliani and The Gateway Pundit, were awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal for their defense of the 2020 election.{{Cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Tia |last2=Wickert |first2=David |date=January 6, 2023 |title=Biden honors protectors of democracy on Jan. 6, including three from Georgia |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/biden-honors-protectors-of-democracy-on-jan-6-including-three-from-georgia/G52DIHYNOFDNVANBW5DCA3UANY/ |access-date=2023-03-22 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |language=English |issn=1539-7459}}
In July 2023, Giuliani conceded that the statements he made about Freeman and Moss were false.{{Cite web |last=Mizelle |first=Katelyn Polantz,Shawna |date=2023-07-26 |title=Giuliani concedes he made defamatory statements about Georgia election workers {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/26/politics/rudy-giuliani-georgia-election-workers/index.html |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=CNN |language=en}} In December of that year, a federal court ordered Giuliani to pay Freeman and Moss $148 million in compensatory and punitive damages.{{Cite web |last=Feuer |first=Alan |title=Judge Orders Giuliani to Pay $148 Million Damage Award Immediately |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/20/us/politics/judge-giuliani-pay-damages.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=2024-09-19 |archive-date=2023-12-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221044157/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/20/us/politics/judge-giuliani-pay-damages.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Weiner |first=Rachel |title=Judge says Rudy Giuliani must pay $148 million judgment immediately |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/12/20/giuliani-judgment-pay-immediately/ |website=The Washington Post}}
Protect Democracy's case representing Robert Weisenbach, the Republican postmaster in Pennsylvania, was settled out of court by Project Veritas and James O'Keefe.{{Cite web |title=Project Veritas settles libel suit, says 'no evidence' of ballot fraud at Erie post office |url=https://www.publicopiniononline.com/story/news/politics/2024/02/06/project-veritas-settles-libel-case-with-erie-pa-postmaster-apologizes-james-okeefe-robert-weisebach/72490120007/ |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=Public Opinion |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Bump |first=Philip |date=2024-02-06 |title=Analysis {{!}} Many election deniers faced accountability. Not the one on the ballot. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/02/06/trump-election-fraud-democracy/ |access-date=2024-04-08 |work=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} In another lawsuit, the group represents Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, who sued former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake for defamation over claims she made about Richer’s role in the 2022 Arizona gubernatorial election.{{Cite web |last=Sievers |first=Caitlin |date=2023-12-19 |title=Lake lawyers say her claims about Richer were ‘hyperbole’ |url=https://azmirror.com/2023/12/19/lake-lawyers-say-her-claims-about-richer-were-hyperbole/ |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=Arizona Mirror |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-04-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408160618/https://azmirror.com/2023/12/19/lake-lawyers-say-her-claims-about-richer-were-hyperbole/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Sievers |first=Caitlin |date=2023-06-23 |title=Richer sues Lake for defamation |url=https://azmirror.com/2023/06/22/richer-sues-lake-for-defamation/ |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=Arizona Mirror |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-04-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408160619/https://azmirror.com/2023/06/22/richer-sues-lake-for-defamation/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Kari Lake is in deep, deep trouble with judge's refusal to dismiss defamation lawsuit |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/laurieroberts/2023/12/26/kari-lake-trouble-richer-defamation-lawsuit-proceeds/72030775007/ |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=The Arizona Republic |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-04-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408160618/https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/laurieroberts/2023/12/26/kari-lake-trouble-richer-defamation-lawsuit-proceeds/72030775007/ |url-status=live }}
The group also sued the makers and promoters of the film 2,000 Mules, representing Mark Andrews, a voter who legally placed his ballot and those of his family into a dropbox ahead of the 2020 election.{{Cite web |last=Bump |first=Philip |title=‘2000 Mules,’ a key piece of election misinformation, has its day in court |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/10/03/judge-rules-defamation-lawsuit-against-2000-mules-can-proceed/ |website=The Washington Post}}{{Cite news |last=Niesse |first=Mark |title=Judge shoots down attempt to dismiss ‘2000 Mules’ defamation lawsuit |url=https://www.ajc.com/politics/judges-ruling-clears-path-for-defamation-case-against-2000-mules/H3EWZJNR7BHCTHBSQ6W5YQ6O74/ |access-date=2024-10-22 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |language=English |issn=1539-7459}} In May 2024, Salem Media Group (one of the parties being sued) issued a statement apologizing to Andrews and announcing that Salem had removed the film from its platforms.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-31 |title=Publisher of '2000 Mules' apologizes to Georgia man falsely accused of ballot fraud in the film |url=https://apnews.com/article/2000-mules-film-apology-f1c2de96f17e72241761b4e6deaee5cb |access-date=2024-10-22 |website=AP News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Dreisbach |first=Tom |title=Publisher of ‘2,000 Mules’ election conspiracy theory film issues apology |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/05/31/g-s1-2298/publisher-of-2000-mules-election-conspiracy-theory-film-issues-apology |website=NPR}}
= National Task Force on Election Crises =
In 2019, Protect Democracy also convened the nonpartisan "National Task Force on Election Crises," a cross-ideological group of more than 50 experts on elections, security, public health, and other areas.{{Cite news |last1=Epstein |first1=Reid J. |last2=Corasaniti |first2=Nick |date=2021-10-06 |title=Why Democrats See 3 Governor's Races as a Sea Wall for Fair Elections |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/06/us/politics/governor-races-democrats.html |access-date=2022-04-18 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2022-04-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417134605/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/06/us/politics/governor-races-democrats.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Epstein |first=Reid J. |date=2020-05-24 |title=Trump Sows Doubt on Voting. It Keeps Some People Up at Night. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/24/us/politics/trump-2020-election-voting-rights.html |access-date=2022-04-18 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2022-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418195919/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/24/us/politics/trump-2020-election-voting-rights.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Scire |first=Sarah |date=September 29, 2020 |title=The election could be contested and last for weeks after Nov. 3. Here's what experts think journalists should know. |url=https://www.niemanlab.org/2020/09/the-election-could-be-contested-and-last-for-weeks-after-nov-3-heres-what-experts-think-journalists-should-know/ |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Nieman Lab |archive-date=2022-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527124625/https://www.niemanlab.org/2020/09/the-election-could-be-contested-and-last-for-weeks-after-nov-3-heres-what-experts-think-journalists-should-know/ |url-status=live }} The Task Force issues analyses and reports, holding press briefings on how the electoral system is supposed to work for the purpose of building resiliency against efforts to subvert the electoral process.{{Cite news |last=Editorial Board |title=Opinion {{!}} Before 2024, we had better fix the election law failings we saw last year |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/before-2024-we-had-better-fix-the-election-law-failings-we-saw-last-year/2021/01/31/4b3b1698-60e6-11eb-9430-e7c77b5b0297_story.html |access-date=2022-04-18 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=2022-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414201710/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/before-2024-we-had-better-fix-the-election-law-failings-we-saw-last-year/2021/01/31/4b3b1698-60e6-11eb-9430-e7c77b5b0297_story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Burns |first=Alexander |date=2021-01-24 |title=How Democrats Planned for Doomsday |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/24/us/politics/democrats-trump-election-plan.html |access-date=2022-04-18 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2024-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919025842/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/24/us/politics/democrats-trump-election-plan.html |url-status=live }}
= Preventing abuses of emergency power =
Protect Democracy represented El Paso County, Texas and the Border Network for Human Rights in a 2019 lawsuit, alleging that Trump’s declaration of a national emergency to build a wall on the southern border violated federal statutes, including the National Emergencies Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act.{{Cite web |date=2019-10-11 |title=Judge rules Trump violated the law on wall funding with national emergency |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/judge-rules-trump-violated-law-wall-funding-national-emergency-n1065216 |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=2024-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919025926/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/judge-rules-trump-violated-law-wall-funding-national-emergency-n1065216 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2020-06-25 |title=Trench Lawfare: Inside the Battles to Save Democracy From the Trump Administration |url=https://time.com/5859215/protect-democracy-trump/ |access-date=2024-04-09 |website=TIME |language=en |archive-date=2024-04-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424063038/https://time.com/5859215/protect-democracy-trump/ |url-status=live }} The lawsuit was ultimately rendered moot by the Supreme Court after changes in policy under the Biden administration.{{Cite web |url=https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-298/185035/20210727130906020_2017-07-27%20-%20Pet.%20for%20Rehrg%20-%20FINAL.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2024-09-19 |archive-date=2024-05-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516022017/https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/20/20-298/185035/20210727130906020_2017-07-27%20-%20Pet.%20for%20Rehrg%20-%20FINAL.pdf |url-status=live }}
The group has written amicus briefs focused on executive overreach in relation to two of the Supreme Court’s cases involving deliberations over presidential emergency powers: A Trump administration migration restriction in Arizona v. Mayorkas and the Biden administration’s student debt cancellation program in Biden v. Nebraska.{{Cite web |last=Sheffey |first=Ayelet |title=Why the law Biden is using to cancel student debt is 'highly strained,' according to a group formed by Obama lawyers aimed at protecting American democracy |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-cancel-student-debt-relief-blocked-protect-democracy-law-strained-2023-2 |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327144632/https://www.businessinsider.com/biden-cancel-student-debt-relief-blocked-protect-democracy-law-strained-2023-2 |url-status=live }} The group argued that both cases together represented an opportunity to “[propose] a standard for how the Court should consider challenges to executive actions based on congressional delegations of emergency powers.”{{Cite web |date=2023-02-03 |title=A Chance for the Courts to Rein in Governing by Emergency |url=https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/a-chance-for-the-courts-to-rein-in-governing-by-emergency |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Lawfare |language=en |archive-date=2023-09-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923212931/https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/a-chance-for-the-courts-to-rein-in-governing-by-emergency |url-status=live }}
= Advocating recusals from elected officials running their own elections =
Protect Democracy has challenged Republican and Democratic officials over claims that they were misusing their offices to improperly interfere in elections. In 2018, Protect Democracy sued then-Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, seeking his recusal from overseeing a recount in an election in which he was also a candidate.{{Cite web |last=Rodriguez |first=Jesus |title=Lawsuit seeks to bar Kemp from counting votes in Georgia governor's race |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2018/11/06/georgia-2018-brian-kemp-counting-votes-967429 |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=POLITICO |date=6 November 2018 |language=en |archive-date=2022-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926163342/https://www.politico.com/story/2018/11/06/georgia-2018-brian-kemp-counting-votes-967429 |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Bethea |first=Charles |date=November 6, 2018 |title=Midterms 2018: Voters Ask a Federal Judge to Bar Brian Kemp from Counting Ballots in Georgia |url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/current/midterms-2018-voters-ask-a-federal-judge-to-bar-brian-kemp-from-counting-ballots-in-georgia |access-date=2022-09-26 |magazine=The New Yorker |language=en |archive-date=2022-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926164846/https://www.newyorker.com/news/current/midterms-2018-voters-ask-a-federal-judge-to-bar-brian-kemp-from-counting-ballots-in-georgia |url-status=live }} The group also filed a lawsuit against then-Florida Governor Rick Scott, claiming the Constitution sets limits on an elected official’s ability to exercise governmental powers over their own election.{{Cite web |last=Holden |first=Dominic |date=November 13, 2018 |title=Republican Gov. Rick Scott Was Just Sued Over His Role In The Florida Recount |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/dominicholden/rick-scott-lawsuit-recount |access-date=2022-09-26 |website=BuzzFeed News |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Jennifer |date=November 16, 2018 |title=Opinion {{!}} Judge slams Rick Scott for attacking elections |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/opinions/wp/2018/11/16/judge-slams-rick-scott-for-attacking-elections/ |access-date=2022-09-26 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} Protect Democracy later challenged Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood, a Democrat, for appearing to use his governmental position to advance his own candidacy for governor.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Reid |date=2019-09-18 |title=Mississippi AG investigates his rival in governor's race |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/461851-mississippi-ag-investigates-his-rival-in-governors-race/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=The Hill |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928175529/https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/461851-mississippi-ag-investigates-his-rival-in-governors-race/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Kistler |first=Jessica Marsden and Cameron O. |title=Jim Hood's investigation into Tate Reeves violates basic tenet of fairness: Column |url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2019/08/30/jim-hoods-investigation-into-tate-reeves-violates-basic-tenet-fairness-governors-race-mississippi/2163207001/ |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=The Clarion-Ledger |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919025844/https://www.clarionledger.com/story/opinion/columnists/2019/08/30/jim-hoods-investigation-into-tate-reeves-violates-basic-tenet-fairness-governors-race-mississippi/2163207001/ |url-status=live }}
= Preventing voter suppression =
The organization has also pushed back on efforts to impinge the right to vote.{{Cite web |last=Augustus |first=Shannon |date=May 21, 2023 |title=Lawsuit to Protect Voters in Arizona from Intimidation at Drop Boxes is Settled {{!}} League of Women Voters |url=https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/press-releases/lawsuit-protect-voters-arizona-intimidation-drop-boxes-settled |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=League of Women Voters |language=en |type=Press Release |archive-date=2023-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929125143/https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/press-releases/lawsuit-protect-voters-arizona-intimidation-drop-boxes-settled |url-status=live }} In 2022, the group filed a lawsuit against individuals and organizations conspiring to intimidate Arizona voters who were using drop boxes to deliver their ballots in the 2022 election.{{Cite web |last=Sneed |first=Maeve Reston,Fredreka Schouten,Tierney |date=2022-10-26 |title=Lawsuit filed to stop vigilante surveillance of drop boxes in Arizona {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/26/politics/arizona-voter-intimidation/index.html |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=2024-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919030003/https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/26/politics/arizona-voter-intimidation/index.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hupka |first=Sasha |title=Will a federal judge stop ballot drop box monitors? A decision could come by Friday |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/26/arizona-judge-rule-stopping-ballot-drop-box-monitors-polls/10610467002/ |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=The Arizona Republic |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-10-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221030050846/https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/10/26/arizona-judge-rule-stopping-ballot-drop-box-monitors-polls/10610467002/ |url-status=live }} Days later, a federal court issued an order barring the defendants in the case from confronting, photographing, and doxing voters, in addition to carrying guns and wearing body armor near drop boxes.{{Cite web |last=Tang |first=Terry |date=2022-11-02 |title=Judge orders armed group away from Arizona ballot drop boxes |url=https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-arizona-phoenix-5353cfd0774727e6dd03bdbf48c12211 |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=AP NEWS |language=en |archive-date=2023-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409203928/https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-arizona-phoenix-5353cfd0774727e6dd03bdbf48c12211 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Timsit |first=Annabelle |date=November 2, 2022 |title=Judge limits ballot drop box monitoring in Arizona after intimidation claims |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/11/02/arizona-ballot-clean-elections-liburdi/ |access-date=2023-03-22 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=2023-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219201612/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/11/02/arizona-ballot-clean-elections-liburdi/ |url-status=live }}
In 2023, it was one of the groups that filed a lawsuit challenging Virginia’s lifetime ban on voting for anyone convicted of any felony.{{Cite news |last=Jouvenal |first=Justin |date=June 26, 2023 |title=Lawsuit takes aim at Va. law stripping felons of voting rights |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/06/26/lawsuit-virginia-felons-voting-rights/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=September 25, 2023 |archive-date=August 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801105622/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/06/26/lawsuit-virginia-felons-voting-rights/ |url-status=live }} The suit argues that Virginia’s disenfranchisement provision violates a little-known federal law: The Virginia Readmission Act, a Reconstruction-era statute designed to protect the newly-enshrined rights, including the right to vote, of formerly enslaved citizens.{{Cite web |last=Times-Dispatch |first=CHARLOTTE RENE WOODS Richmond |date=2023-06-27 |title=ACLU, other groups sue Youngkin over rights restoration process |url=https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/aclu-other-groups-sue-youngkin-over-rights-restoration-process/article_21773090-146b-11ee-b400-8bc635b0dd4e.html |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=Richmond Times-Dispatch |language=en |archive-date=2024-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919025846/https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/aclu-other-groups-sue-youngkin-over-rights-restoration-process/article_21773090-146b-11ee-b400-8bc635b0dd4e.html |url-status=live }}
= Accountability for political violence =
Protect Democracy has filed two lawsuits aimed at deterring voter intimidation and political violence. The cases involved Biden-Harris campaigners and a bus driver who were on a campaign bus in October 2020, when they were ambushed by a “Trump Train” in Texas.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-15 |title=A 'Trump Train' convoy surrounded a Biden-Harris bus. Was it political violence? |url=https://apnews.com/article/texas-trump-train-trial-ff999a0289a0f5d98d23539c390e274d |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=AP News |language=en}} One case, Davis v. Cisneros, targeted the drivers of the “Trump Train” for harassment and intimidation.{{Cite web |last=Falconer |first=Rebecca |title=Texas jury clears all but 1 over "Trump Train" surrounding of 2020 Biden bus |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/09/24/texas-trump-biden-harris-drivers-2020-election |website=Axios}} The second case, Cervini v. Stapp, was filed against San Marcos law enforcement officials who allegedly failed to provide a police escort during the attack.{{Cite web |last=McGee |first=Kate |date=2023-10-18 |title=San Marcos forced to pay $175,000 to Wendy Davis, other Democrats after "Trump Train" incident |url=https://www.texastribune.org/2023/10/17/trump-train-san-marcos-lawsuit-settlement/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=The Texas Tribune |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Ibañez |first=David |date=2023-10-18 |title=City of San Marcos settles lawsuit involving ‘Trump Train’ incident |url=https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2023/10/18/city-of-san-marcos-settles-lawsuit-involving-trump-train-incident/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=KSAT |language=en}}
The city of San Marcos and three of its police officials agreed to a monetary settlement, admitting in the settlement agreement of falling short of their policing standards. In the agreement, they also committed to institute police training on responding to political violence and voter intimidation. A jury in the other case found the lead organizer of the "Trump Train" guilty of using threats to prevent the Biden-Harris campaigners from engaging in political activity.{{Cite web |last=Goodman |first=J. David |title=Jury Clears All but One Defendant in ‘Trump Train’ Case Over Biden Bus in 2020 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/23/us/trump-train-verdict.html |website=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |date=2024-09-23 |title=Texas jury clears most 'Trump Train’ drivers in civil trial over 2020 Biden-Harris bus encounter |url=https://apnews.com/article/trump-train-biden-texas-2020-election-trials-018e1c725e17ab0593835468db202666 |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=AP News |language=en}}
= Electoral Count Act =
Protect Democracy advocated for passage of the Electoral Count Act (ECA), which was passed into law in 2022.{{Cite web |last=Meyers |first=David |date=November 15, 2022 |title=Electoral reforms part of packed agenda in final weeks of congressional session |url=https://thefulcrum.us/electoral-count-act-23708623 |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=thefulcrum.us |language=en |archive-date=2024-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919030009/https://thefulcrum.us/electoral-count-act-23708623 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-10-05 |title=The Lawfare Podcast: An Update on Electoral Count Act Reform |url=https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/lawfare-podcast-update-electoral-count-act-reform |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=Lawfare |language=en |archive-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113123130/https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/lawfare-podcast-update-electoral-count-act-reform |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Gonzalez |first=Angi |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Bipartisan electoral count reform bill clears major hurdle |url=https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/politics/2022/09/13/bill-to-clarify-vp-s-role-in-certifying-future-presidential-elections-clears-major-hurdle |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=spectrumnews1.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322195530/https://spectrumnews1.com/ma/worcester/politics/2022/09/13/bill-to-clarify-vp-s-role-in-certifying-future-presidential-elections-clears-major-hurdle |url-status=live }} According to Washington Post columnist Greg Sargent, the group “wrote one of the earliest blueprints on how to reform [the] ECA.”{{Cite web |last=Sargeant |first=Greg |date=December 22, 2022 |title=One last plug |url=https://twitter.com/ThePlumLineGS/status/1606104882750009346 |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=Twitter |language=en |archive-date=2024-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117212649/https://twitter.com/ThePlumLineGS/status/1606104882750009346 |url-status=live }}
Reports
= "The Authoritarian Playbook" =
The group has released research on "The Authoritarian Playbook," which can be used to distinguish authoritarianism from other forms of politics.{{Cite news |last=Hounshell |first=Blake |date=2022-06-10 |title=How Journalists Wrestle With Covering Threats to Democracy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/10/us/politics/media-democracy.html |access-date=2023-03-22 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2023-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201214049/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/10/us/politics/media-democracy.html |url-status=live }}{{Citation |title='Authoritarian Playbook' author discusses the media's role {{!}} CNN Business |date=2022-07-24 |url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2022/07/24/authoritarian-playbook-author-discusses-the-medias-role.cnn |access-date=2023-03-22 |language=en |archive-date=2023-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322215835/https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2022/07/24/authoritarian-playbook-author-discusses-the-medias-role.cnn |url-status=live }} This guide catalogs the seven basic tactics that are almost always present in examples of democratic backsliding around the world:
- Politicizing independent institutions
- Spreading disinformation
- Aggrandizing executive power and undermining checks & balances
- Quashing dissent
- Marginalizing vulnerable communities
- Corrupting elections
- Stoking violence
In 2024, the affiliated 501(c)(4) United to Protect Democracy issued "The Authoritarian Playbook for 2025," which details the alleged threat a second Trump administration would pose to American democracy.{{Cite web |last=Arnsdorf |first=Isaac |last2=Miroff |first2=Nick |last3=Dawsey |first3=Josh |title=Trump and allies planning militarized mass deportations, detention camps |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/02/20/trump-mass-deportations-immigration/ |website=The Washington Post}}{{Cite web |date=2024-02-22 |title=Fight or flight: Fearful Trump critics weigh the risk of retribution if he's re-elected |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/donald-trump-retribution-fear-rcna139497 |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=NBC News |language=en |archive-date=2024-04-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408161709/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/donald-trump-retribution-fear-rcna139497 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=United to Protect Democracy |url=https://www.wgbh.org/tv-shows/open-mind/united-protect-democracy-st5rd0 |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=GBH |language=en |archive-date=2024-04-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408161709/https://www.wgbh.org/tv-shows/open-mind/united-protect-democracy-st5rd0 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-02-26 |title=Trump’s 2025 authoritarian playbook and what it means for democracy |url=https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2024/02/26/trumps-authoritarian-playbook-for-2025-and-what-it-means-for-democracy |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=www.wbur.org |language=en |archive-date=2024-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919030405/https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2024/02/26/trumps-authoritarian-playbook-for-2025-and-what-it-means-for-democracy |url-status=live }}
= State-level election subversion report =
In 2021, along with the States United Democracy Center and Law Forward, Protect Democracy issued an initial report on state legislative attempts that threaten to subvert elections.{{Cite news |last1=Corasaniti |first1=Nick |last2=Epstein |first2=Reid J. |date=2021-06-19 |title=How Republican States Are Expanding Their Power Over Elections |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/19/us/politics/republican-states.html |access-date=2022-09-21 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2022-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921144240/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/19/us/politics/republican-states.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Ari |date=June 14, 2021 |title=14 GOP-controlled states have passed laws to impede free elections |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/06/14-gop-controlled-states-have-passed-laws-to-impede-free-elections/ |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=Mother Jones |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921144240/https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/06/14-gop-controlled-states-have-passed-laws-to-impede-free-elections/ |url-status=live }} It has subsequently released updates to the report.{{Cite web |last=Brownstein |first=Ronald |date=May 24, 2022 |title=Analysis: Election deniers want to control the 2024 election. And they're getting closer |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/24/politics/midterm-election-2022-georgia-false-claims-trump/index.html |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=CNN |archive-date=2022-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921144242/https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/24/politics/midterm-election-2022-georgia-false-claims-trump/index.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=David |date=May 19, 2022 |title=Voter 'subversion': Trump Republicans push laws to make it easier to change elections, per report |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/05/19/voter-subversion-trump-republicans-push-laws-change-elections/9824186002/ |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921144242/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2022/05/19/voter-subversion-trump-republicans-push-laws-change-elections/9824186002/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Doan |first=Laura |date=August 26, 2022 |title=33 state legislatures have introduced bills that would interfere in election administration, new report says |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/state-legislatures-election-interference/ |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919030459/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/state-legislatures-election-interference/ |url-status=live }}
= Guide to identifying a politicized investigation =
In response to the federal and state investigations against Trump, the group issued a guide seeking to tell the difference between politicized investigations and normal, appropriate efforts by law enforcement.{{Cite news |last=Wegman |first=Jesse |date=2023-07-26 |title=Opinion {{!}} How to Know When a Prosecution Is Political |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/26/opinion/trump-indictments-prosecution.html |access-date=2023-09-21 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2023-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929125142/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/26/opinion/trump-indictments-prosecution.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |author=The Editorial Board |date=2023-06-09 |title=Opinion {{!}} Donald Trump Should Never Again Be Trusted With the Nation's Secrets |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/09/opinion/trump-indictment-documents.html |access-date=2023-09-21 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=2023-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929125142/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/09/opinion/trump-indictment-documents.html |url-status=live }}
Advocating for long-term reforms
= "Rethinking Our Democracy" series =
Collaborating with the University of Chicago's Center for Effective Government, Protect Democracy experts have hosted two “Rethinking Our Democracy” series in The Washington Post, proposing institutional reforms to strengthen American democracy.{{Cite web |title=Rethinking Our Democracy |url=https://effectivegov.uchicago.edu/initiatives/rethinking-our-democracy |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=Center for Effective Government}}
= Proportional representation =
Protect Democracy has also advocated for reforming the U.S. system of government toward proportional representation.{{Cite web |title=Let's follow New Zealand’s lead on proportional elections - The Fulcrum |url=https://thefulcrum.us/proportional-representation-236851 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401163416/https://thefulcrum.us/proportional-representation-236851 |archive-date=2024-04-01 |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=thefulcrum.us |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Russell |date=2023-07-06 |title=A Radical Idea for Fixing Polarization |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/07/proportional-representation-house-congress/674627/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329071211/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2023/07/proportional-representation-house-congress/674627/ |archive-date=2024-03-29 |access-date=2024-04-01 |website=The Atlantic |language=en}} In 2022, the group organized a coalition of more than 200 pro-democracy scholars to advocate for abolishing single-member districts.{{Cite web |title=Scholars Ask Congress to Scrap Winner-Take-All Political System |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/19/us/politics/redistricting-gerrymandering.html |website=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |title=How to Save America From Extremism by Changing the Way We Vote |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2022/10/31/ranked-choice-voting-multi-member-house-districts/ |website=The Washington Post}}
= Restoring fusion voting =
In 2024, Protect Democracy represented a group of Kansas voters who argued their third party was illegally kept off the state's general election ballot.{{Cite web |last=Shorman |first=Jonathan |title=New Kansas political party wants to change how you vote. Can they get around the ban? |url=https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article289070049.html |website=The Kansas City Star}} The effort is part of a broader push in states like Kansas to legalize so-called fusion voting, which allows more than one party to nominate the same political candidate.{{Cite web |last=Schmidt |first=Lynn |date=2024-08-04 |title=Lynn Schmidt: 'Fusion voting' could challenge the two-party chokehold and spur moderation |url=https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/column/lynn-schmidt/lynn-schmidt-fusion-voting-could-challenge-the-two-party-chokehold-and-spur-moderation/article_1a5b92ca-5032-11ef-923a-07a2df4cd996.html |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=STLtoday.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=May 31, 2024 |title=Reviving the American Tradition of Fusion Voting |url=https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_interest/election_law/american-democracy/our-work/reviving-american-tradition-fusion-voting/ |website=American Bar Association}}
Software
= VoteShield =
Protect Democracy developed the software VoteShield, which uses publicly available data to track changes to voter rolls, identifying potentially suspicious irregularities.{{Cite web |last=Westrope |first=Andrew |date=2019-05-29 |title=Nonprofit's Free App Flags Suspicious Changes to Voter Rolls |url=https://www.govtech.com/security/Nonprofits-Free-App-Flags-Suspicious-Changes-to-Voter-Rolls.html |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=GovTech |language=en |archive-date=2024-09-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919030530/https://www.govtech.com/security/nonprofits-free-app-flags-suspicious-changes-to-voter-rolls.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Pattison-Gordon |first=Jule |date=2022-03-23 |title=Securing the Midterms: Smarter Tools Watch Over Voter Records |url=https://www.govtech.com/security/securing-the-midterms-smarter-tools-watch-over-voter-records |access-date=2022-04-25 |website=GovTech |language=en |archive-date=2022-04-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425141757/https://www.govtech.com/security/securing-the-midterms-smarter-tools-watch-over-voter-records |url-status=live }}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
Protect Democracy's [https://protectdemocracy.org/in-the-press/ press mentions] page on the organization's website
Category:Political advocacy groups in the United States
Category:Non-profit organizations based in the United States
Category:Organizations established in 2016