Voting Rights

Through litigation and advocacy, the ACLU is fighting back against attempts to curtail an essential right in our democracy, the right to vote.

Voting Rights

Following the 2016 election, the fight for voting rights remains as critical as ever. Politicians across the country continue to engage in voter suppression, efforts that include additional obstacles to registration, cutbacks on early voting, and strict voter identification requirements. Through litigation and advocacy, the ACLU is fighting back against attempts to curtail an essential right in our democracy, the right to vote. 

In addition to litigation, we are advocating for policies that make it easier for everyone to vote, such as the expansion of same-day and online voter registration. 

Recent voting rights events: 

In June 2013, in a massive blow to civil rights and democracy, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the current coverage formula of the Voting Rights Act. The ACLU has been fighting this rollback of voting rights through both advocacy and litigation and is working to expand the right to vote for all Americans by challenging criminal disenfranchisement laws and expanding same-day and online voter registration.

On April 24, 2020, the Spirit Lake Nation and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe have filed a binding agreement with the state of North Dakota settling a longstanding fight over voting rights for Native Americans. Once approved by the court, the agreement will be enforceable by court order and will provide essential safeguards to protect Native Americans’ right to vote, easing the financial and logistical burdens that North Dakota’s voter ID law placed on tribes. Learn more here.

The Latest

News & Commentary
A woman with a surgical mask opening absentee ballots.

Why Counting the Vote Can, and Should, Take Time

On Election Night, standard procedure and state-based policies mean elections officials may still be counting ballots after Election Day. This is normal.
News & Commentary
ACLU Election Conversation Guide

Let's Talk About It!

ACLU 2024 Election Conversation Guides
Press Release
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ACLU of North Dakota Releases Poll Worker Tips for Respecting Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming People

We expect poll workers to be educated and trained so that trans voters are not disenfranchised because of administrative or other barriers at polling places.
Know Your Rights
i voted stickers on a pink background

Know Your Rights: Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Voters

Voting is the cornerstone of democracy and a fundamental right. But our democracy works best when every eligible North Dakota voter can cast a ballot.