What's Happening?
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is planning to allocate $25 million towards supporting abortion and voting rights in the upcoming midterm elections. This initiative will focus on referenda, state legislative battles, and state Supreme Court
races across nine states. Deirdre Schifeling, the ACLU's chief political and advocacy officer, emphasized that the future of abortion and voting rights will be determined at the state level rather than in Washington. The ACLU aims to establish a long-term 'constitutional infrastructure' to safeguard these rights. The organization plans to oppose referenda in Montana and Kansas that would make state Supreme Court elections partisan and to protect a referendum in Missouri that upholds abortion rights. Additionally, the ACLU will support pro-civil rights Supreme Court candidates in Michigan, Montana, and North Carolina, and invest in state House races in Georgia, Montana, and North Carolina to prevent Republican supermajorities. The group also backs incumbent Democratic secretaries of state in Nevada and Arizona.
Why It's Important?
The ACLU's investment is significant as it highlights the ongoing battle over civil rights and liberties at the state level, particularly concerning abortion and voting rights. This move comes amid a broader national debate on these issues, with many Democrats shifting focus to economic concerns during President Trump's second term. By targeting a specific segment of the electorate, the ACLU aims to influence voters who are not aligned with the MAGA movement, including older white women and libertarian-leaning men. The organization's efforts could impact the political landscape by supporting candidates and measures that align with civil rights and liberties, potentially affecting legislative outcomes and the balance of power in key states.
What's Next?
The ACLU's strategy involves focusing on a segment of the electorate they call the 'ACLU Sway,' which comprises low-propensity Democrats, Republicans, and independents. This approach aims to motivate these voters to support candidates and measures that uphold civil rights and liberties. The organization's involvement in state-level politics is expected to continue, with potential implications for future elections and policy decisions. The ACLU's actions may also prompt responses from political leaders and advocacy groups, influencing the broader discourse on civil rights and liberties in the U.S.
