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.

The midterms are months away and the pro-democracy movement has work to do to engage young Americans. Of those we surveyed, only 40% say they'll definitely vote. Dig into the data from our poll w/ @votersoftomorrow.org

🔗 https://protdem.org/genzpoll2026

The key question this November is not just which party controls Congress, but whether the voters actually get to choose...if the president effectively overrides the congressional elections, picking control of Congress over the objections of the voters, then Congress will cease to be an independent branch of government.

NEW: Read the first edition of our special series, Executive Override, covering how and why U.S. midterms matter so much to the authoritarian project and what we can all do to protect the elections.

🔗 www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/why-talk-about-threats...

The group of retired military veterans argue that the government’s position is both unprecedented and unconstitutional, and that allowing the punishment to stand would chill the speech of millions of veterans nationwide

Read our brief: statesunited.org/resources/ke...

NEW >> States United, @protectdemocracy.org, & @vetvoicefoundation.bsky.social file second amicus brief on behalf of 73 retired national security leaders, urging an appeals court to uphold First Amendment protections for Navy veteran Sen. @captmarkkelly.bsky.social.
statesunited.org/press-releas...

Bipartisan group of retired national security leaders support Sen. Kelly’s freedom of speech in amicus brief, arguing: 1 2 Service members have an obligation to disobey orders they know are illegal. The government cannot punish veterans for publicly restating this principle. 3 The First Amendment protects all of us – including those who served in uniform. The government cannot punish veterans for speech it doesn’t like. Veteran speech on issues relating to our military and national security is constitutionally protected. Their protected speech is critical for an informed public debate.

The brief by the retired national security leaders who served every Democratic and Republican president dating back to Eisenhower stresses the following ⬇️

Read more here: protdem.org/4mK9deY

The administration’s efforts to punish critics threatens to politicize our military and significantly erode our national security, not to mention the health of our democracy, the retired leaders noted in their brief.

“To chill the speech of retired military service members would not only infringe on their individual First Amendment rights, but also impoverish public debate on critical issues relating to our military and its role in domestic and foreign affairs.” Retired national security leaders Amicus brief, Kelly v. Hegseth

The case testing whether DOD can punish & silence @captmarkkelly.bsky.social for protected speech is now on appeal. We’re proud to rep 73 fmr service secretaries, ret’d admirals & generals w/ @statesunited.org & @vetvoicefoundation.bsky.social to explain the critical 1A stakes for all veterans.

Why talk about threats to the midterms? Like in Hungary, it’s time to hope for the best and prepare for the worst

The most striking thing about Hungary’s victory over Orbán’s 16 year authoritarian rule is *how* the opposition succeeded.

Now it’s our turn. Read the pro-democracy strategy to protect our right to choose our leaders.
https://protdem.org/4cPMNFw

How the Trump administration plans to interfere with the 2026 elections 2026 will be different from any election in American history. The Trump administration is wielding the full power of the government against our own elections.

This year's midterms are happening under unprecedented conditions as the president turns the government against our own elections. But, we still have the power.

Get our roadmap of the threats ahead and what we can do to protect a government of, by, or for the people. ⬇️

Reporting shows the Trump administration keeps using the courts to go after those who disagree with the admin, and it keeps failing.

We’re cataloging many of the administration’s retaliatory actions here: protectdemocracy.org/work/retalia...

How you can protect democracy - Protect Democracy These concrete actions are a tangible way to push back against abuses of power and create something better.

Attn. faith community members: You can strengthen democratic values and foster shared understanding by engaging others within your congregation.

Learn how to start conversations by visiting our How You Can Protect Democracy page here ⬇️

Understanding the Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022 The Electoral Count Reform Act provides much-needed clarity on the process of casting and counting electoral votes.

Wisconsin joins more than 20 states that have updated their laws to align with the Electoral Count Reform Act, a critical step that ensures their Electoral College votes will be included in the final count.

For more on the ECRA, read our explainer ⬇️ (3/3)

New Wisconsin law aims to avoid confusion of 2020 presidential count A bipartisan law signed April 8 closes loopholes that could have created uncertainty when Wisconsin certifies its presidential election results.

The new measure closes critical gaps in the state's current election certification process and protects all 10 of Wisconsin’s electoral votes from future attempts at election subversion. Learn more about the new law ⬇️ (2/3)

When Wisconsin Republicans and Democrats agree that election rules should be clear and the process should run on time, they create a path to certification in our state that is predictable and trustworthy. Edgar Lin Deputy Director of Impact Programs,
Free and Fair Elections & State Strategies

A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently strengthened Wisconsin’s election laws, bringing the state into compliance with the 2022 Electoral Count Reform Act.

Protect Democracy's Edgar Lin, who testified in favor of the WI ECRA bill, noted ⬇ (1/3)

Protect Democracy United – Voters of Tomorrow – Generation Lab — 2026 Poll - Voters of Tomorrow Voters of Tomorrow is a youth-led organization that represents, engages, and educates Gen Z in politics and government.

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

How the Trump administration plans to interfere with the 2026 elections 2026 will be different from any election in American history. The Trump administration is wielding the full power of the government against our own elections.

For the first time in modern American history, the federal gov is being turned against our elections to lay the groundwork for overturning results the administration doesn't like.

Read how we can protect our elections against Executive Override. https://protdem.org/executive-override

Defending Maine communities from federal surveillance and intimidation Protect Democracy is suing the Trump administration for violating the consitutional rights of Portland residents.

As our case continues, we look forward to finding answers for our clients. Follow our case here ⬇️

The Big Unanswered Question about the Tracking of ICE Observers Hilton v. Noem et al. aims to reveal whether and how ICE observers are being tracked. But getting a clear answer is proving harder than it should be.

After filming federal agents in her community, Elinor Hilton faced threats from agents saying they'd come to her house & put her on a watchlist. Read @davidlitt.bsky.social 's coverage of our case on behalf of Hilton and why it matters for every American seeking to bear witness to gov abuses.

get the toolkit Defending Local Stability: The Business Response How business owners and leaders can prepare for possible federal deployments, protect their teams, and advocate for their communities PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

Learn how businesses can take action to defend local stability. Our new toolkit outlines three steps:

1️⃣ build your community,
2️⃣ prepare your business,
3️⃣ use your voice as a community leader.

Access the business response toolkit here 🔗 https://protdem.org/business-toolkit

The House of Representatives is too small. Here is one way to fix it. YouTube video by Vox

The U.S. has grown and changed, but the House hasn’t. Watch this video part of Vox’s “America After Trump” series on how expanding the House will ensure fairer representation, stronger legislative capabilities, and fulfill the House’s intended purpose.

📽️ ⬇️

See them in court: State should allow New Yorkers to sue feds Now that they are in overtime on the state budget and the policy matters are being haggled out, there is a way that New York legislators and Gov. Hochul can smartly respond to the problem of overly ag...

Good news: the NY Daily News has endorsed the NY Civil Rights Act that would create an ability for residents to sue federal officials who have violated individual constitutional rights.
https://protdem.org/48vT3Qj

Read our explainer about this type of bill for states: https://protdem.org/4aN1skr

Democracy Atlas rule 1: Resist. Then adapt Hungary teaches us how to change tactics to get ahead of shifting attacks

Here’s what we can learn from the Hungarian pro-democracy coalition's efforts to push back against Viktor Orbán’s autocratic impulses.

Revisit our Democracy Atlas series to discover the role you can play in shaping our history. ⬇️

How you can protect democracy - Protect Democracy These concrete actions are a tangible way to push back against abuses of power and create something better.

ACTION - Attn. Business leaders: You play a critical role in protecting your community and local economy.

Visit our action page for strategies your business can take to make a difference. Bonus points for connecting w/other biz leaders via @integrity-mttrs.bsky.social

Get your tailored action ⬇️

Authoritarian Action Watch Just updated Authoritarian actions aggrandizing executive power are rapidly escalating The president’s threat to commit war crimes in Iran represents an aggrandizement of his own authority, and is testing the bounds of civil-military relations.

UPDATED: The president's threat to commit war crimes in Iran represents an aggrandizement of his own authority, and is testing the bounds of civil-military relations.

Track this threat and others with our Authoritarianism Action Watch ⬇️ protectdemocracy.org/threat-tracker/

new resource A Guide to Understanding the Federal Grand Jury What is a grand jury, and how does it work?

Grand juries have the power to stop wrongful prosecutions and investigations. Want to learn more about these critical constitutional gatekeepers? Get the facts: https://protectdemocracy.org/work/grand-jury-explained/

Authoritarian Action Watch Just updated Authoritarian actions aggrandizing executive power are rapidly escalating The president’s threat to commit war crimes in Iran represents an aggrandizement of his own authority, and is testing the bounds of civil-military relations.

UPDATED: The president's threat to commit war crimes in Iran represents an aggrandizement of his own authority, and is testing the bounds of civil-military relations.

Track this threat and others with our Authoritarianism Action Watch ⬇️ protectdemocracy.org/threat-tracker/

"This Sunday’s election is a bellwether for the United States. In the best case scenario, it may show how the voters can dislodge even entrenched authoritarian leaders. More ominously, though, it may instead preview what efforts to deny election results and cling to power could look like here."

NEW: @michaelangeloni.bsky.social writes why we should all be watching the results of Hungary's elections tomorrow and the two possible outcomes to watch for: www.ifyoucankeepit.org/p/is-budapest-the-bellwe...