Democracy & Civic Engagement
The ACLU of California Voting Rights Project ensures that all Californians, regardless of their race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and ability to speak English, have meaningful and fair access to engage in our democracy.
Our Focus:
- Expanding voting rights to all Californians.
- Reducing barriers to registration and voting.
- Enforcing federal and state voting rights laws.
- Promoting voter education and engagement.
Democracy & Civic Engagement Legislation
Stop Sheriff Departments from Hiding Misconduct from Oversight Bodies (AB 847)
Criminal Justice & Policing, Democracy & Civic Engagement, Racial and Economic Justice
Counties throughout California have established Civilian Oversight Commissions and Inspector General Offices to ensure public accountability of Sheriff Departments. However, this much-needed oversight has been made difficult by law enforcement agencies and well-funded police associations …
Banning Police Misconduct Nondisclosure Agreements (AB 1388)
Criminal Justice & Policing, Democracy & Civic Engagement
For years, California police departments have routinely found clear evidence of wrongdoing by their officers, but instead of firing them, they grant the officer complete secrecy over their misconduct in exchange for the officer’s resignation. …
The Freedom from Surveillance Act (AB 1034)
Democracy & Civic Engagement, Racial and Economic Justice
Update: This bill has been gut and amended. Police body cameras were intended for officer accountability, not public surveillance. The use of facial recognition on body cameras would break this promise, transforming these devices into …
Restore Voting Rights in Prison (ACA 4)
Criminal Justice & Policing, Democracy & Civic Engagement, Racial and Economic Justice
Our democracy is rooted in the idea that everyone’s voice matters. Right now, though, over 120,000 Californians in prison are banned from voting in local, state, or federal elections. It’s time we join Vermont, Maine, …
Stop Reverse Demands (AB 793)
Criminal Justice & Policing, Democracy & Civic Engagement, Reproductive Justice & Gender Equity
Dragnet surveillance demands – so-called “reverse warrants”, “geofence warrants,” or “keyword warrants” – are a form of unconstitutional digital surveillance that put people at grave risk in a Post-Roe America. They can compel tech companies …
Empower Community Participation (AB 453)
Democracy & Civic Engagement