News & Commentary

Millions of people are planning to vote by mail in this election, and for most, it will be the first time. COVID-19 has made voting by mail more popular than ever because it’s the safest way for many to cast a ballot. But some voters still have questions about the safety and security of this method, and whether their mail-in ballot will be counted. Contradictory messages from President Trump add to the confusion — even though the president, and many of his cabinet members, vote by mail themselves.

Amber Hikes, they/she, Deputy Executive Director for Strategy & Culture, ACLU We, your Blac

Ginsburg’s work created ripple effects across the world, inspiring activists and action in the fight for gender relations far beyond the U.S. She was a world-wide icon for dignity, justice, and equality.

We spoke to folks in South Dakota who are passionate about being involved in local politics. Over the next few months, we’re highlighting their stories on our We the People blog series to show how everyone has the ability to change their community for the better.

Voting is paramount to a healthy democracy, but it’s only effective if we take the time to make our voices heard at the ballot box or absentee.

As the general election nears, there are more candidates than ever running for legislative and municipal offices statewide with some already having secured their seats.   

Wanbli Ceya, which means crying eagle in Lakota, joined us earlier this summer to share his experience with our Indigenous Justice Cohort lead by Candi Brings Plenty.

Day after day, night after night, protesters have been taking to the streets since the police killing of George Floyd.

Sports have long been an arena where civil rights and civil liberties questions have taken center stage: Track and field star Tommie Smith raised his fist for racial justice on the 1968 Olympic podium. Tennis great Billie Jean King fought for equal pay for women. Olympic runner Caster Semana challenged intersex bigotry to be able to compete. And of course, NBA players organized a strike this week in protest of the killing by police of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin.