ACLU Supporter –

As we head into the last weekend before Tuesday's elections, we know you might be feeling some pre-election anxiety – or at the very least might need a distraction from the polls and headlines right now.

That's why we at the ACLU wanted to reach out to share a few reassurances and reminders to take with you over the next few days – and why, you'll notice, this is also a little longer than our usual email.

The main assurance from our team? That we're here to protect your civil liberties – and the vote – no matter what. Our attorneys and organizers are at-the-ready in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico to take action for you and for all our rights should anything occur Tuesday. It's what we do.

And to be clear, this work to protect people's rights goes beyond Election Day. We've been fighting for every single civil liberty at stake in this crucial election year – and we will continue long after. If you need proof on that, here's just a few of the latest updates from our lawyers in this fight:

• In voting rights: The ACLU has filed amicus brief arguments in defense of protecting free and fair elections for a gerrymandering case that the Supreme Court is set to hear this term. We're similarly challenging Alabama's racially gerrymandered congressional maps at SCOTUS, have just secured victories in Montana against two unconstitutional state laws that would severely hinder Native American participation in the electoral process, and will be monitoring any and all voter suppression at the polls nationwide all Election Day long.
• In reproductive freedom: Last week, we went to trial – alongside local abortion providers, advocate groups, and our Georgia affiliate – to stop the state's ban signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp that prohibits abortion after six weeks, a time before many even know they're pregnant. We won't stop fighting – in courts, statehouses, and across the country – until our right to access abortion care is safe and secure for everyone in this nation.
• In trans justice: Two weeks ago, a federal district court heard our challenge against an Arkansas law that would strip gender-affirming health care for trans young people across the state. And just last week, after two years of legal limbo, our West Virginia affiliate also finalized a settlement with the state in a win that will allow transgender West Virginians to amend names and gender markers on their birth certificates once again.
• In free speech and students' rights: ACLU lawyers argued in the Fourth Circuit last week, challenging a South Carolina law that criminalizes "obnoxious behavior" in schools – allowing children as young as 7 to be arrested for vague allegations of classroom disruption. This unjust law violates students' right to free speech and due process – and we cannot allow it.
• In racial justice: This Monday, the Supreme Court heard arguments in two cases challenging affirmative action. We at the ACLU have already filed an amicus brief in support of race-conscious admissions in these arguments – and we will continue to push for academic freedom and equitable access to higher education for all.

These are just a few of the many legal fights we're pushing forward at this time, ACLU Supporter. And we know you're fighting for so many of these civil liberties alongside us – particularly at the ballots. So while we continue this work in the courts, remember there are a couple of simple, impactful things you can do over the weekend to get ready to vote in defense of your rights, too:

1. If you haven't cast your ballot yet, make a plan to vote. Scope out your state's voting guidelines for your polling location, plot out when you'll go, and decide how you'll get there. And then be sure you've researched what's at stake in your local races and ballot measures.
2. Help others make their plan to vote. Text a friendly reminder to your group chat about Election Day, share your voting plan, and have a conversation with them about the issues. (TIP: If you don't feel certain how to approach this, go to the ACLU website and our voter resources will guide you through – including a midterms conversation guide for talking with loved ones).

Together, we can and will finish these elections strong to protect the civil liberties we all believe in – and continue onward to ensure all our rights remain safe and equal.

We'll be back next week with more resources to help you through the elections and thank you as always for all you do.

– The ACLU Team