You may have noticed that since the election I have shifted my tone and approach to the challenges facing our democracy. I have become increasingly alarmed by the lack of courage from many who boasted loudly about protecting democracy before the election but have now gone silent. I have grown impatient with those urging caution, compromise and conciliation towards Trump and the MAGA movement.

There are many ways to oppose Trump and his dangerous band of misfit minions. No one has a monopoly on the correct strategy. I welcome discussion and debate on tactics and approach. But I cannot abide by appeasement and anticipatory obedience.

I started Democracy Docket in 2020 because I saw a gap that needed filling. Even as courts and the rules of voting were becoming central to our elections, few legacy media outlets provided the critical information the public needed to stay informed. Democracy Docket was created to be the leading digital news platform dedicated to information, analysis and opinion about voting rights and elections in the courts.

In the last few weeks, however, it has become clear that the challenges to democracy are even greater than I feared. Legacy media is in decline. Many of its billionaire owners seek to curry favor with Trump. Even progressive media personalities have shown an inclination to bow down rather than fight.

At the same time, Democracy Docket has become more defiant, more uncompromising and more willing to go it alone. I have realized that one of the advantages it has in this new world is its structure. It has no corporate backers, no private equity or venture capital investors. It has the luxury of being fearlessly independent and unapologetically pro-democracy. Starting today, that is its broader mission.

Democracy Docket will continue to cover voting, elections and the courts. That is and will remain its core. Its entire website and its flagship newsletters will remain free to everyone. To protect privacy, it will not sell or share its subscribers’ or members’ information or email addresses with other organizations, no matter how worthy.

But, Democracy Docket will widen its aperture to be a voice of opposition to Trump and MAGA at a time when too many legacy news outlets are kissing the ring and deciding how to make nice.

To accomplish this, Democracy Docket will need to have the necessary resources. Earlier this year, it launched a paid membership program for people who want more frequent and deeper analysis from me and the Democracy Docket team. Growing its paid memberships will allow Democracy Docket to expand its staff and content to meet the moment.

If you want to help support Democracy Docket and its mission as fearlessly independent and unapologetically pro-democracy, consider becoming a member now.

If you just want to continue enjoying the free site and newsletters, we appreciate your continued readership.

Now more than ever, democracy is under attack. It is literally and figuratively on the docket. Thank you for your support.

— Marc