Since 2024, state legislatures across the country have introduced nearly 600 bills that restrict voting rights and access. And in 2025, 16 states passed 30 voter suppression bills that will be in effect during this year’s midterm elections — the largest amount of restrictive legislation passed since 2021.

Election officials also face increased harassment and hostility, and there have been rumors that ICE will show up at the polls this year, threatening the rights and due process protections of immigrant communities at the ballot box.

In this environment, lawyers play a critical role in empowering voters by providing clear guidance, defending voting rights, and supporting voter education efforts that help people navigate an increasingly complex landscape.

Lawyers have the unique power to protect the integrity of our democracy in the face of these relentless attacks to undermine it. That’s why we are launching the Democracy Legal Defense Network (DLDN).

Threats of investigations, executive orders, disinformation campaigns, and strategic legal maneuvering sow confusion and erode confidence in election integrity. Even if courts block these anti-voting measures—or if they are never implemented—the uncertainty they create can still deter voter participation. Lawyers are needed to provide nonpartisan pro bono support to defend our democracy before, during, and after this year’s critical midterm elections.

November may feel far away, but the work starts right now. If you’re new to We The Action, welcome! Enter your email and click “Join” to be part of the network. For our returning community members, click “Volunteer for this Project.” No need to commit to a pro bono project today. Once you join the DLDN, you will receive targeted outreach with updates and opportunities to sign up directly for projects that fit your skills and schedule.

Lawyers who join the DLDN will have the opportunity to work with nonprofits on a variety of issue areas protecting our democracy during all stages of the election cycle, including:

Pre-election: Between the landmark Supreme Court case on mail-in ballots in Mississippi, the proposed SAVE America Act, the new elections-based executive order from the White House, policy moves at the state and local level, and likely increases in law enforcement presence at the polls, voting rights are at particular risk this year. In addition, confusion and misinformation about these rights may deter voters from participating. Lawyers can work with nonprofits to oppose harmful policies and educate voters on their rights.

Election Day: Lawyers can volunteer as poll workers to assist local and state election administrators, protect election officials, or support voters and document issues at polling locations.

Post-election: Protecting elections no longer ends when the polls close on Election Day. Instead, lawyers are needed to observe the official canvass and certification processes.

Lawyers and legal staff of all ages, experience levels, backgrounds, locations, and expertise can volunteer with the DLDN to protect and strengthen our elections year-round. This election season, there is a role for any lawyer or legal staff wanting to get involved.