Dear John,

At a time when our daily lives are interrupted in the face of a public health crisis, and each of us are called upon to act in service to the greater good, the work to strengthen the pillars of our democratic institutions remains more important than ever.

While, like many of you, CLC staff are making needed adjustments to our routines to support the collective effort to protect public health, our work is continuing uninterrupted.

Critical court cases progress—but now over the phone. We remain deeply engaged with partner organizations and with our supporters in the fight for a stronger democracy—but while working remotely from our homes. We continue to develop and implement strategies to protect the democratic process—and that work has taken on new urgency in light of the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presents to our election system.

Here is some of what we’re doing at CLC to advance our democracy at this important time:

• We’re spreading the word about how Americans can safely exercise their most essential civic rights and responsibilities. If you’re in a state with upcoming primary or local elections, make a plan to vote early (to avoid crowding) or vote by mail. Our friends at Vote.org can help. And everyone, in every state, should plan to participate in the 2020 Census, which can be completed online.
• We’re shining a media spotlight on the challenges to voting brought on by COVID-19, and urging federal, state and local governments to make the changes necessary to ensure that every eligible voter will still be able to cast a ballot. I appeared on HBO’s Axios last night to deliver the message: "We need to make it easier to vote in the face of this health crisis."
• We’re defending Michigan’s voter-approved Independent Redistricting Commission. Paul Smith, our vice president for litigation & strategy, will defend the IRC against an appeals court challenge by Michigan politicians tomorrow. To ensure that this important case can move forward while protecting public health, the court has ordered the arguments to proceed via telephone.

Thank you for everything you do to strengthen our democracy, even in trying times. We hope you stay healthy.

Sincerely, 

Trevor Potter
President, Campaign Legal Center