This piece is part of our 2022 Year in Review, a reflection on some of the most urgent issues and causes that mattered most this year that we’ll face in the next – and the tangible ways you can take action.
Whew—this year in politics was a doozy, wasn’t it? Let’s start with the big one: the Supreme Court made some devastating decisions that didn’t just reverse hard-fought rights for marginalized groups but threatened the constitutional validity of others that are sure to be challenged next year. We spent much of the mainstream news cycle bracing for a Red Wave that was more like a trickle, but some races were still far too close for comfort. Next year we’ll see the start of the 2024 presidential election cycle, decisions on influential Supreme Court cases, and the tense Congressional response to the issues that the coming months will bring.
Hopefully, out of anything you read this year, you’ll remember that political engagement is necessary work — even when it’s hard. Take some time to review pieces from last year and prepare to roll up your sleeves in 2023.
TAKE ACTION
• It’s never too early to start preparing for voting season. Visit vote.gov to find upcoming voter deadlines and register to vote if you haven’t already.
• Make an election safety plan in advance, so you’re ready to organize in the next major election.
• Have conversations with your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors about getting connected to a local initiative for justice and liberation.
• Donate to Trans Lifeline, which offers name change microgrants to trans and nonbinary people needing court-ordered name changes to IDs, including passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and state and Tribal IDs.
• Donate to Rideshare2Vote to provide free roundtrip rides to polling locations.
America v. Democracy: The Supreme Court, Explained
OK, wait – what exactly is the Supreme Court, and why do they have so much power? Read this helpful overview of the history and future of the Supreme Court and understand how presidential elections influence its composition.
How Voter Fraud Claims Led to Criminalizing Voters
We heard a lot about voter fraud in 2020 and 2021, claims that have since been proven to be overwhelmingly unfounded. But it did happen in another democratic process: Fat Bear Week 2022. Let’s review what voter fraud actually looks like and how false claims lead to real harm against marginalized people.
The Midterms Are Over. The Struggle Isn’t
Yes, this round-up is technically about political engagement. But voting alone won’t save us. Andrew wrote a meaningful reflection after the midterms on how political engagement often does little to create an immediate, tangible impact on the micro level. Get engaged politically but remember, it’s only the start of advocating for justice and liberation. Here’s what else you should do.
Protecting the Polls and the Right to Vote
With threats of voter intimidation and confusing voter registration rules, the work of a poll worker is more important now than ever. And most poll workers are everyday people like you volunteering their time. Learn more about what people face at the polls – especially marginalized voters – and how being a poll worker can help.
Voter ID Laws, Explained
Voter ID laws can make it more difficult for marginalized people to access the polls. Learn about the history of voter ID laws and organizations working to make it easier for people without IDs to obtain one.
