As we head into Election Day, voting is already underway in many states. Whether by mail or early in-person voting, people across the country are casting their ballots and placing their trust in our democratic process. For DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Alicia Andrews, making sure our voting rights are protected is not just about making our voices heard, it is about preserving the fundamental power we all hold as voters. Drawing on her experience as the former Chairwoman of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, she brings a deep understanding of what is at stake. Under her leadership, she spearheaded initiatives aimed at expanding voter access and engagement by empowering women, building inclusive coalitions, and uplifting every voice in our community.
Below is our interview with Chair Andrews.
Q: At this moment, what challenges to voting concern you?
The right to vote is under attack, and these attacks aren’t isolated or accidental. As someone deeply engaged in political campaigns and causes, I have a personal motto that guides my activism: Everyone should have access to the ballot box, be informed when they get there, and be confident that their vote will count.
Today, all three principles are being challenged.
Q: How is access to the ballot box being restricted?
Threats to voting access are becoming increasingly common. Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) demanded unredacted voter files. While more than 20 states refused and prevailed in court, my home state of Oklahoma agreed to share voter data in exchange for the DOJ dropping its lawsuit. These actions risk creating fear that personal information could be misused, discouraging voter registration and suppressing participation.
Closing or relocating polling places with little or no notice creates additional barriers. When voters’ carefully made plans are disrupted, especially for working-class people, caregivers, and families, participation suffers.
Q: What’s the impact of misinformation and disinformation in voting?
I am not a fan of the terms misinformation and disinformation. Let’s call it what it is: lies. Social media platforms can amplify lies and distort the public’s understanding of this administration’s record. Voters must seek reliable information, ask direct questions of elected officials and candidates, and respectfully demand answers. An informed electorate is essential to a functioning democracy.
Q: How are fear and intimidation used to shake voter confidence?
Threats of ICE presence at polling places and unfounded claims of widespread voting by ineligible individuals undermine public confidence. Intimidation and baseless accusations can discourage eligible citizens from exercising their rights.
Q: What can be done to counter intimidation tactics?
We must recognize these tactics for what they are: modern versions of counting the number of bubbles in a bar of soap or other barriers once used to deny Americans their fundamental rights. We overcame those obstacles before, and we can overcome today’s challenges.
We must educate ourselves and our communities, understand our ballots and candidates, make a detailed, researched voting plan and vote the entire ballot at every opportunity.
Q: Why do you persist with the fight to protect voting rights?
I remain in this fight because if my ancestors were resilient enough to fight for my right to vote, I can be resilient enough to protect it.
Alicia Andrews
Chair
DNC Women’s Caucus
Support Our Battleground States
The future of our nation will be decided in battleground states, where every single vote is critical. With control of Congress hanging in the balance, we cannot afford to wait. Get involved today and help us mobilize the votes needed to win!
Join our Voter Protection Efforts
Voter protection is essential. As Chair Andrews mentioned, this is a crucial time to protect the vote, and we offer a variety of volunteer roles in our voter protection programs — from the Voter Assistance Hotline to on-site support at the polls — to ensure every eligible voter can cast their ballot and that every vote is counted accurately.
Don’t stop there! Make sure to check your voter registration on IWillVote.com and prepare your voting plan. You can also download our Know Your Rights at the Polls guide to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Share Your Story
Every single story and every single vote matter right now. With Election Day quickly approaching, the stakes for our communities could not be higher. Share your story today and help mobilize our community to drive real change!
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Trumps’s weaponization of the justice department needs to be stopped now. If not, the precedent is that this is acceptable behaviour for any future president. He must be removed from office, this is Congress’ most important job.