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Democracy doesn’t protect itself.

Today, Americans are facing unprecedented authoritarian attacks on the laws, rights, and institutions that define us. But, together, we can ensure that our democracy endures.

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Our Mission

Protect Democracy Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing American democracy from declining into a more authoritarian form of government.

We provide public education about threats to democratic norms and institutions and how the American people can best confront them. We bring together conservatives, moderates, and progressives around a shared goal: strengthening the laws and guardrails that constrain authoritarianism and building a truly representative and responsive democracy.

Our Strategic Priorities

  • Protecting free and fair elections

    We defend the election process and the ability to choose our leaders.

  • Stopping consolidation of power

    We oppose unchecked power, defend the rule of law, and protect the right to dissent.

  • Building Pro-Democracy Collective Action

    We bring people and organizations together to stand up for democratic principles.

  • Shaping the democracy of tomorrow

    We develop new strategies for a more inclusive and resilient democracy.

How We Confront Threats

Our team of experts uses a range of strategies to inform Americans about threats to democracy and provide tools to defend it.

  • Research

    We research the threats to democracy and potential solutions and provide educational resources to the public and the press to ensure widespread awareness and action.

  • Litigation

    We file legal challenges to confront abuses of power, deter anti-democratic wrongdoing, and protect core constitutional rights.

  • Coalition Building

    We convene leaders from a broad range of backgrounds — faith, business, law enforcement, tech, academia, media, and more — to confront abuses and uphold shared democratic values.

  • Technology

    We use software and data analysis tools to monitor public voter files for interference or errors that could prevent voter participation.

Who We Are

Two Organizations: One Mission

Our mission to defend and strengthen American democracy is carried out through two separate organizations that make use of distinct tools and approaches.

Protect Democracy
Protect Democracy Project

Protect Democracy Project is a 501(c)(3) organization, which advances public education initiatives.

Protect Democracy United

Protect Democracy United is a 501(c)(4) organization, which focuses on advocacy efforts.

We are a cross-ideological team of experts, partners, and advisors.

Since forming in late 2016, we’ve assembled a team of over 120 experts who have served under Democrats and Republicans and have held senior positions in academic, nonprofit, media, public policy, and political organizations. Our team is distributed across more than 20 states and works at every level from local to federal.

We also form meaningful partnerships, including pro bono relationships with leading law firms and collaborations with dozens of national and local peers. And our strategies are informed by a group of advisors that includes some of the world’s leading experts on democracy, authoritarianism, and the institutions of American democracy.

  • 120+ Staff Members
  • 20+ States

Support our urgent mission.

Together, we can defeat the authoritarian threat and shape a more resilient democracy. Join us today.

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Questions? Get in touch with us at partnerships@protectdemocracy.org.