This episode of Nonprofit Report features three leaders in election access and civic engagement organizations, discussing the current challenges to voting rights and democracy in the United States—and the work being done to ensure fair and informed participation across the country.
Guests:
Luis Lozada, CEO, Democracy Works
Tom Lopach, President & CEO, Voter Participation Center
Claire Synder-Hall, Executive Director, Common Cause Delaware
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- The right to vote is under attack across the U.S., with increasing restrictions on access and trust in elections.
- The Voter Participation Center focuses on engaging underrepresented communities—people of color, unmarried women, and young voters—through mail and digital outreach.
- Democracy Works ensures voters receive accurate, timely election information like polling places and ballot tracking, partnering with election officials in 42 states.
- Common Cause Delaware, part of the national nonpartisan advocacy group, works to protect voting rights and combat gerrymandering and voter suppression.
- All three organizations are nonprofits committed to nonpartisan work—even as hyper-partisan politics create barriers to neutrality.
Other Points on the Future of Voting in America:
All three leaders underscored the difficulty of maintaining nonpartisan positions in a polarized environment. Though mission-aligned, their organizations take different approaches: Common Cause advocates for legislative change, the Voter Participation Center engages in voter mobilization and legal action, and Democracy Works supports infrastructure and education without direct political engagement. Together, they aim to create an ecosystem of support for voters.
Leaders discussed the urgent need to restore civic norms and trust in the electoral process. Misinformation, distrust in outcomes, and attacks on mail voting have eroded public confidence. As Claire noted, “We’re seeing attempts to turn back the clock.” Luis called for renewed investment in civic education, while Tom emphasized the need to center voters—not parties—in policy debates.
Despite political headwinds, all three organizations remain focused on equipping voters with the information, access, and voice needed to shape their communities. Each leader reiterated that defending democracy is a shared responsibility. As Tom concluded, “We should be debating ideas—not who gets to vote.”