“Democracy is never a thing done.

Democracy is always something that a nation must be doing.” ― Archibald MacLeish

The U.S. is experiencing a civic boom. From the Occupy Wall Street and Tea Party movements to the women's march and high school walkouts, Americans are participating in our democracy in numbers not seen since the 1960s. A recent poll found that “one in five Americans have protested or participated in a political rally since the start of 2016.” More than 2,500 people are running for Congress this year, the highest number ever recorded.

But, as Thomas Jefferson said, “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” This recent rise in participation is not equally distributed and is still leaving out millions of Americans.

Voter turnout, as one key indicator of participation in our democracy, is one example. Turnout in the 2014 midterm elections was 36%, the lowest in 70 years. Even at the height of Obama-mania in 2008, turnout was only 61% of eligible voters. Compare that to the world leader, Belgium, with turnout of 87%, or South Korea at 78% in their most recent elections.

“The biggest block of voters are those who don't vote at all. What would happen if every person voted? Transformation.”

Heather mcghee Distinguished senior fellow, demos

But low voter turnout isn't the only signal that our democracy is in distress. In 2016, the Economist demoted the U.S. from a "full" to "flawed" democracy; 68% of Americans believe our democracy is "getting weaker". And we have all witnessed increased polarization.

To ensure a truly representative democracy, we must raise up the voices of more marginalized communities and help all participate – from contacting their representatives or speaking at a town hall to voting and running for office.

Our Approach

What would it look like if all people were empowered to participate in our democracy?

Too many Americans feel their voice is muted by the vast amount of money in politics or districts so gerrymandered as to discount their vote. And even when people overcome those hurdles and decide to participate, they may face burdensome requirements to register to vote or cast a ballot. This becomes a negative feedback loop where disempowerment leads to less participation, which leads to greater ability for entrenched power to make participation less likely.

Our approach will focus on enabling people-centered politics; systems where every voice and every vote counts; systems that help create a democracy that is “of the people, by the people and for the people.”

Our Focus

Throughout the U.S., organizations are doing important work to build a healthier democracy. We will focus on three areas vital for empowering people to participate, maintaining a non-partisan, and in some cases bipartisan, approach to the work we support.

Be Counted. The U.S. census is a foundational yet often overlooked part of our democracy. From government funding to reapportionment and redistricting, it is critical that every person is counted, especially in California.

Be Educated. Our goal is an empowered population; where better to start than with youth? Teaching a new generation to be constructive citizens will help strengthen our democracy and educate our next leaders.

Be Heard. People-centered reforms can empower marginalized communities, motivate engagement by the people, and inspire trust in government. Pro-voter reforms on funding campaigns, voter registration, and the voting process can move the needle on participation.

We recognize that in focusing, we leave behind many worthy issues, some of which could be future themes for Battery Powered in and of themselves. Interested in nominating a theme for next year? You can do so here.

Healthy Democracy

Our Approach

Our Focus