News & Commentary

Nov 12, 2026

Protecting the Polls on Election Day and Beyond

The work continues to secure our voting rights.

By Samantha Chapman

An image of the back of an ACLU election observer's vest as they monitor the polls while voters cast their ballots.
Nov 10, 2026

Your Questions Answered: How Data Centers Erode Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

ACLU experts break down how data centers negatively impact communities, violate civil liberties, and how we can respond.

People gather near the site of a proposed data center to protest its development in Alexandria, Virginia.
Oct 26, 2026

Help the ACLU safeguard our election

Watch our election observer training video to volunteer with us on Election Day.

A man sitting at a table at a polling locations wearing a blue vest that reads "ACLU Legal Observer"
Sep 28, 2026

We Sued to Protect South Dakotans’ Right to Vote. We’re Not Done.

Samantha Chapman explains the latest win for voting rights in South Dakota and our next steps to remove barriers to the ballot.

By Samantha Chapman

An image with a red background and purple dots on the left side featuring a collage of the LWVSD v. Johnson legal team with an image of a voting station at a polling site in black and white
Aug 14, 2026

Despite ‘New’ Updates, Flock’s Creepy Cameras Remain Major Civil Liberties Threat

In response to Flock’s announcement of operational changes, the ACLU breaks down why many fall short.

By Related bios

A red Flock Safety sign on a pole reads "Notice: 24/7 Video Recording" on a residential street, with parked cars, homes, trees, and a clear blue sky in the background.
Aug 10, 2026

We the People: Martha J. Rossiter

We the People is a blog series that features the stories of members, supporters, volunteers, and allies of the American Civil Liberties Union of SD, ND and WY. Together we are accomplishing critical work in our state to protect and advance civil liberties in our region and beyond.

By Martha J. Rossiter

Martha J. Rossiter
Jul 07, 2026

How to Fight Deployment of Flock and Other Mass Surveillance License Plate Readers in Your Community

The ACLU provides a range of tactics for communities to stop or limit the use of Flock’s ALPR mass surveillance technology

Rain falls on a residential street, where a red security sign warns "Cameras in Use 24/7 Security, Criminals Will Be Prosecuted, and flock safety." Cars drive down the wet road past houses, trees, sidewalks, and fences in the background.
Jul 07, 2026

South Dakota Can Make Voting More Accessible — Starting with Clearer Rules

ACLU of South Dakota Supports Voting Guidance Proposed by League of Women Voters.

By Samantha Chapman

Image of a "Vote Here" Sign on orange and yellow plants
Jun 25, 2026

Surveillance is Driving a Corporatization of Police Departments

What are the implications of having for-profit companies at the heart of American police departments?

A frontal view of a police car with its lights on at night