We’ve seen the Year-at-a-Glance pie chart that’s been circulating, so we know we’re not alone: January IS the longest month of the year! But that’s because it was packed full of League action. Now that we’ve finally wrapped up the month and reflected, it definitely feels like winning.

HR1, the For the People Act

U.S. House leadership started the year out strong by unveiling a sweeping democracy reform bill that will make elections fairer and put power back in the hands of the American people. HR1, the For the People Act, is a roadmap to solve the problems facing our democracy.

The legislation will restore the Voting Rights Act, improve Automatic Voter Registration, modernize the public financing of elections through small donor matching funds, end gerrymandering, and restore transparency in our government. 

It’s clear this bill will make our elections fairer, put the power back into the hands of the American people, and—as we’ve told Congress—it deserves bipartisan support. 

Interested in learning more? Join us for a webinar briefing on the For the People Act Tuesday, February 5, at 4pm ET. Our staff will provide an overview of the legislation, detail what provisions the League is fighting for, and talk about grassroots engagement with Congress as well as opportunities to engage at state and local levels. RSVP here.

Then take action. Our representatives go on recess February 18—plan to attend a town hall event in your area to demand that Congress makes a bold show of support for our democracy and the For the People Act.

Major Elections Reform Victory in New York

In just the first few weeks of this new year, we have already seen major advancement toward expanded voting access and fairer elections. On January 14, New York elections advocates celebrated the passage of a comprehensive voting reform package that includes early voting, same day voter registration, and primary consolidation in the state of New York.

The League of New York State played a critical role in securing the passage of these crucial reforms and will continue to work with the legislature and governor to ensure proper roll-out of these new policies.

Partisan Gerrymandering Cases Head to the Supreme Court

LWV of NC v. Rucho is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court in March, along with companion cases Common Cause v. Rucho and Maryland redistricting case Benisek v. Lamone. 

The addition of Benisek v. Lamone gives the Court an opportunity to review cases where both political parties gerrymandered districts—Republicans were the party in power in North Carolina and in the Maryland case, Democrats—and could lead to the Court setting a partisan gerrymandering standard for the whole country, curtailing this undemocratic practice nationwide.