Fair Elections Center

Fair Elections Center is a national, nonpartisan voting rights and election reform organization based in Washington, D.C.. Founded in 2017, the Center utilizes litigation, advocacy, and technical assistance to eliminate barriers to voting and improve election administration across the United States. It operates with a particular focus on expanding access for historically disenfranchised communities, including young voters, people of color, and low-income Americans. The organization is recognized for its legal expertise and its collaborative work with a broad network of state and local partners.

Overview

The Fair Elections Center functions as a central hub for legal and strategic initiatives aimed at protecting and strengthening democratic participation. It engages directly in complex litigation under statutes like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the National Voter Registration Act, often filing amicus curiae briefs in pivotal cases before courts including the Supreme Court of the United States. Beyond the courtroom, the organization provides critical resources and guidance to election officials, community organizers, and other nonprofit organizations to navigate evolving election laws. Its work is frequently cited in major media outlets and it maintains active partnerships with groups such as the Campus Vote Project to empower student voters.

Mission and Activities

The core mission of the Fair Elections Center is to dismantle structural obstacles within the U.S. election system through a multi-pronged approach. A primary activity is conducting impact litigation to challenge restrictive voting laws in states like Texas, Georgia, and Florida, where measures affecting early voting, absentee ballot access, and voter ID requirements are frequently contested. The Center also produces extensive research and policy analysis, publishing reports on topics ranging from felony disenfranchisement to best practices for polling place management. Furthermore, it operates the nonpartisan Election Protection coalition’s legal hotline, mobilizing thousands of volunteers to assist voters during federal and state elections.

History

The organization was established in 2017 by veteran democracy advocates, including its president, Robert Brandon, who previously held leadership roles at the Fair Elections Legal Network. Its formation responded to a growing wave of state-level legislation seen as restrictive following the Shelby County v. Holder decision, which weakened federal preclearance requirements under the Voting Rights Act. Early initiatives focused on combating voter purges and advocating for policies like automatic voter registration and same-day registration. The Center rapidly expanded its docket, engaging in high-profile cases during the 2020 United States presidential election and subsequent debates over election integrity and mail-in voting procedures spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact and Achievements

Significant legal victories have established the Fair Elections Center as a influential force in voting rights jurisprudence. It successfully litigated to extend voter registration deadlines in Michigan and to preserve curbside voting options in Alabama. The Center’s advocacy contributed to the adoption of online voter registration systems in multiple states and the expansion of early voting sites on university campuses. Its technical assistance helped local jurisdictions in Pennsylvania and Arizona implement secure drop box protocols. The organization’s research has been instrumental in shaping legislative proposals, including aspects of the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Leadership and Structure

The Fair Elections Center is led by President and CEO Robert Brandon, a prominent attorney with decades of experience in election law. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors composed of legal scholars, former election officials, and civil rights leaders. Its staff includes seasoned litigators, policy analysts, and field coordinators who work across state lines. The Center maintains a strategic partnership with its affiliated 501(c)(3) project, the Campus Vote Project, which focuses exclusively on mobilizing young voters. Funding is derived from a mix of foundation grants, individual donations, and legal awards, with supporters including the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Ford Foundation.

Category:Voting rights organizations in the United States Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Non-profit organizations established in 2017