Gen Z's story isn't defined by apathy or a single wedge issue. It's about a generation demanding that democracy deliver on its promises.
The pro-democracy coalition must meet the younger generation where they are by addressing the deeper trust gap. protdem.org/genzpoll2026
Alt Text: An infographic titled "Among Gen Z, frustration does not translate into participation." It uses two horizontal bars for comparison. The top bar shows that 80% say ICE enforcement goes too far. The bottom bar highlights a disconnect, showing that "but only 40% say they'll definitely vote in 2026." The survey footer confirms the data is from early 2026.
Gen Z on ICE's immigration enforcement and the economy:
🛑 80% say ICE goes too far — but these poll results aren't just an immigration story.
The same respondents are also more likely to see the economy as weak and believe democracy isn't working for them.
Alt Text: This image presents data from a 2026 survey of Gen Z Americans regarding their views on democracy and the upcoming election. Alt Text: A circular infographic on a dark blue background. A red arc covers 40% of the circle's perimeter, with the number 40% in the center. Below, text reads: "ONLY 40% OF GEN Z AMERICANS say they 'definitely' plan to vote in the 2026 election." A footer notes the survey included 2,027 Americans ages 18–29 and was conducted in early 2026 by Protect Democracy United and Voters of Tomorrow.
GenZ on democracy:
✅ 90% agree elections should be free and fair
🔻 30% trust elections are fair
🔻 40% say they'll definitely vote in 2026
This image presents data from a 2026 survey of Gen Z Americans regarding their views on democracy and the upcoming election. Alt Text: A summary graphic featuring four circular charts highlighting key findings from a Gen Z survey. 90% agree elections should be free and fair. 40% say they'll definitely vote in 2026. 60% say democracy is not working well for young people. 80% say ICE goes too far in its enforcement efforts. The title reads, "Gen Z still believes in democracy, but not the one they’re getting."
NEW POLL: Gen Z still believes in democracy — just not the one they’re getting.
We surveyed young Americans on democracy, ICE, the economy, and the midterms. Here's what they had to say: 🧵 ⬇️
Full poll results with @votersoftomorrow.org and Generation Lab: protdem.org/genzpoll2026
Take the next step by adding your name to this letter calling on political and religious leaders to stand in solidarity against ICE’s cruelty. LoveNotICE.org
Faith communities have been key to the struggle between democracy and authoritarianism. This holiday season, we all have a chance to support their efforts. Watch and share this powerful message with our partners @interfaithalliance.org calling on people of all backgrounds to choose LoveNotICE.org
The Trump admin has made clear that New Orleans is next.
Protect your neighbors:
🗣️ Pre-bunk lies about "targeting criminals"
📸 Film everything as a civic duty
🤝 Stand united
☮️ Keep it peaceful
Chicago proved that whole-of-society opposition works. New Orleans can, too.
The administration tried to sell a false story of "lawlessness," but Chicagoans told and documented the truth — peaceful demonstrators shot while praying, tear gassed in the streets, and much more.
Recordings destroyed the government’s narrative and gave lawyers crucial evidence.
When masked federal agents rappelled into Chicago, residents stood together and successfully pushed back against federal forces’ efforts to create chaos.
Protect Democracy’s Conor Gaffney and Katie Schwartzmann outline the Chicago “blueprint” via @veritenews.org veritenews.org/2025/12/02/c...
We are proud to stand with partners in this lawsuit Loevy + Loevy, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law's Community Justice and Civil Rights Clinic, UChicago Law's Mandel Legal Aid Clinic, First Defense Legal Aid, and the ACLU of Illinois. Read more about the case here: protdem.org/437OR6z
An image of a declarant in our case, running with a baby in hand as DHS agents shoot tear gas
Journalists, clergy, and residents have been gassed, attacked, and brutalized while exercising their rights. Take, for example, a declarant in our case, running with a baby in hand as DHS agents shoot tear gas. The government must be held accountable and we must bear witness.
Tomorrow, we’re seeking a preliminary injunction to more permanently stop the gov’s violent and unconstitutional actions in the Chicago area after agents violated our previous temporary restraining order. As Rev. Black highlights, there is a real human impact of the Trump admin's abuse of power.
Whatever lawlessness is occurring is not occurring by peaceful protestors. That the actions taken by some federal agents at this point and on this record clearly violate the Constitution. Individuals are allowed to protest. They are allowed to speak. That is guaranteed by the First Amendment. judge sara l. ellis us district court, northern district of illinois
The First Amendment contains the most cherished and fundamental rights of our democracy — it is vital that we defend it. In her ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Sara L. Ellis affirmed that the government cannot use violence as a means to silence dissent. ⬇️
Absolutely amazing news for the First Amendment, our plaintiffs, and our democracy.
The court also found enough evidence for a jury to conclude “that Defendants worked together, not just to make and promote the Movie, but to do so for the purpose of advancing a knowingly false narrative about criminal ballot mules that intentionally defamed Andrews”
"Defendants admit that they never had any evidence that Andrews was paid to deposit any ballots or that he went to any drop box more than once; that he ever went to any non-profit to pick up ballots; or that he was ever at a violent riot."
Judge Steven D. Grimberg was clear:
Heading: Court Ruled D’Souza and TTV Published False Statements Subhead: Creators of 2000 Mules Must Face Trial in Defamation and Klan Act Case
🚨BREAKING: A federal judge just ruled that the makers of 2000 Mules made false statements when they accused our client of voter fraud and that no reasonable jury could find those statements were truthful. Read the decision here
🔗 protdem.org/andrews-MSJ
Attn. democracy defenders: "Democracy Atlas" is a new series from @protectdemocracy.org pulling lessons and inspiration from others around the world who have navigated what we’re going through.
Read the first edition and subscribe to join the conversation: share.protectdemocracy.org/s/gJiwu6ej
The costs of capitulation are higher than they might initially seem, write Conor Gaffney and Janine Lopez on the just-approved Paramount-Skydance merger. www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/something-...
The Nonprofit Toolkit: Responding to Government Investigations Resources to help organizations face politicized threats while continuing to serve their communities.
NEW RESOURCE: The threat to civil society is real—and growing. Our Nonprofit Investigations Toolkit has information to help orgs prepare for politicized government investigations. Start here: protdem.org/NonprofitInv...
"I spent the last four years at, as they say, Mr. Jefferson’s university. I am one of those supposedly “oppressed” campus conservatives...And I have not been brainwashed, silenced, or intimidated. I’ve seen a place that is animated by debate, and dissent."
www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/thomas-jef...
Research funding should be merit-based, not political. Today’s ruling against NIH’s ideologically driven research cuts means more than just restored funding — it’s a restoration of life-saving research. Learn more in our deep-dive on the ruling: www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/breaking-n...
Read more about how the Trump Administration's recent action threatens civilian control of the military and sets a troubling precedent: bit.ly/43VMYtg
This weekend’s troop deployment in LA, made against the wishes of California’s governor, wasn’t about public safety — it was about presidential power.
It wasn’t a move to keep the peace. It was a deliberate show of force — and a dangerous escalation.
A sobering and much-needed assessment on the state of higher education at this uncertain moment.
This is great, thank you so much for sharing—and for highlighting our work! Grateful for the work you’re already doing to advance some of the recommendations the report makes!
We definitely don’t have all the answers, but what we found can serve as a starting point—check it out: protectdemocracy.org/work/how-doe...
Together, we’ve found that while yes, Gen Z is increasingly disillusioned (kinda hard not to be, right?) with the state of our democracy, that doesn’t mean they don’t believe in it—the question is and has always been: HOW do we get it to work for everyone? 2/3
Thankful to my colleagues @protectdemocracy.org and the great folks at CIRCLE @civicyouth.bsky.social for working on this much-needed research. This piece is possible because of their tenacity and willingness to ask big questions about Gen Z and our place in American democracy. 1/2
The heroes at @protectdemocracy.org had taken the OMB apportionment website and turned into a really easy to use public website.
Well, now they're suing.
bsky.app/profile/prot...
