Voting Rights

Highly rated charities working to ensure Americans have equal access to the polls.

Explore Charities to Support

Protecting American Democracy: How to Support Voting Rights

The right to vote is the foundation of American democracy. Yet, it faces constant challenges. If you’re searching for the best organizations protecting voting rights in the U.S. or wondering where to donate to protect American democracy, this guide is for you. Below, we've organized key information to help you find and support effective charities dedicated to ensuring every eligible citizen can participate in the electoral process.

If you are a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) charity with a three- or four-star Charity Navigator rating and are responding to this disaster/crisis, please complete and submit this survey, and our curation team will review.

The right to vote has been one of the most important and revered rights within the United States Constitution. The ability to exercise this right has sometimes been contentious and hard-fought along gender and racial lines. The issues of election laws, voting rights, voter registration and suppression, and reform, have been at the forefront of discussions, debates, and protests.

Charity Navigator encourages citizens to become informed about how to register and their registration eligibility, have clarity about voting procedures, and utilize information provided by their state's board of elections.

List of Best Voting Rights Charities

American Civil Liberties Union Foundation

New York , NY

SUPER-sized

99%

The ACLU Foundation provides legal presentation in cases involving issues of civil liberties and constitutional rights, and educates the public as to civil liberties and constitutional rights

Favorite
Fairvote

Silver Spring , MD

MEDIUM-sized

100%

FairVote is a nonpartisan, organization working to advance voting reforms that make democracy more functional and representative at the local, state, and national level

Favorite
The Voter Participation Center

Washington , DC

MEDIUM-sized

100%

The VPC works to increase the civic engagement of unmarried women, people of color and 18-29 year olds - the three demographic groups who comprise the Rising American Electorate (RAE)

Favorite
VoteRiders

Santa Monica , CA

MEDIUM-sized

100%

VoteRiders helps voters obtain and understand voter ID requirements, ensuring everyone can vote with confidence.

Favorite
Common Cause Education Fund

Washington , DC

LARGE-sized

97%

Common Cause Education Fund is a 501(c)3 affiliate organization of Common Cause that supports national, state, and local efforts to strengthen our democracy

Favorite
Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law

New York , NY

SUPER-sized

99%

The Brennan Center is a nonpartisan law and policy institute, working to ensure that all Americans have an equal voice in our elections

Favorite

Frequently Asked Questions About Voting Rights

What are the key issues voting rights charities address?
Voting rights organizations work to combat voter suppression and election discrimination in all its forms. This includes challenging restrictive voter ID laws, fighting gerrymandering, and providing legal advocacy for voting access. Many of these groups focus on the unique challenges marginalized communities face to ensure voting rights for all.

How do these nonprofits support voter education and registration?
Nonprofits supporting voter education and registration play a crucial role in empowering citizens. They provide resources to help individuals register to vote, understand their ballots, and navigate the entire electoral process. By helping citizens register to vote and understand ballots, these groups strengthen civic engagement and ensure people can make informed decisions.

What kind of work do organizations do to ensure fair elections?
Beyond registration and education, top-rated groups monitoring elections for fairness actively observe elections to ensure they are conducted without discrimination. Their work also includes providing legal and community-based advocacy to challenge unfair practices and promote civic engagement, ensuring the democratic system functions as it should.

How can I help protect voting rights and American democracy?
You can help by supporting trusted charities that are committed to this work. From nonprofits challenging voter ID laws to community-based groups promoting civic engagement, your donation can help fund legal action, education initiatives, and on-the-ground support. By contributing, you help protect and expand access to the ballot, strengthening the foundation of American democracy.