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From cutting-edge policy research to illuminating analysis, we bring a racial equity lens to the most pressing issues facing our country. For our latest blog posts and media updates, visit our Media page.

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The Human Cost of Houseplants cover image

The Human Cost of Houseplants: Labor Conditions of Florida’s Plant Nursery Workers

This report exposes the hidden labor crisis behind America's booming houseplant industry and makes the case for a worker-driven accountability model that has already delivered real improvements for workers in other industries.

Research
Demos
WeCount!
Partners for Dignity and Rights
Woman voting at voting booth

The Costs of Implementing Documentary Proof of Citizenship Bills

As states across the country consider Documentary Proof of Citizenship (DPOC) requirements in the wake of the federal SAVE Act’s reintroduction, one fundamental issue has gone largely overlooked: What do these laws actually cost states?

Research
Lata Nott
Victoria Hammitt
Neda Khoshkhoo
Nick Harper
Joshua Harmon
Lucas Della Ventura
Demos
The Campaign Legal Center
State Voices
Woman voting

Language Access & State Voting Rights Acts

Effective language access is essential for ensuring that every voter can fully participate in our democracy. Our new case study examines how the Connecticut Voting Rights Act (CTVRA) has become a model for expanding language access beyond what federal law requires.

Research
Angelo Ancheta

Challenges to Fair Elections 1: Voter ID/ proof of citizenship requirements for voting and registration

As a nation, we now face a serious threat to the very nature of our democracy, and the core American belief that wide electoral participation by as many eligible voters as possible is central to our prosperity and success. With salacious and often unfounded allegations of efforts to vote by non
Policy Briefs

Fulfilling America's Promise: Ideas to Expand Opportunity and Revitalize Our Democracy

A Demos briefing book, with state-and federal-level application, to help elected officials advance new policies that promote electoral participation and provide all Americans with access to a stable, secure middle class.
Policy Briefs

Re-Drawing Lines: A Public Interest Analysis of California's 2006 Redistricting Reform Proposals

In recent years, citizens, the media and political experts have expressed growing concern over redistricting--the process of drawing new district lines to determine which residents will be grouped together when electing representatives. This concern has focused on the steady decline in
Research
Steven Carbó

Analysis of Supreme Court Decision in Randall v. Sorrell

This memo outlines how the Justices lined up on the issues in Randall v. Sorrell, provides some analysis of the opinions, and touches on the implications for future reform efforts.

Policy Briefs
Brenda Wright

The Economic Challenges of Young People

Although Americans of all ages have endured the economic and social changes of the post-industrial era, today's young people are the first to experience its full weight as they try to start their adult lives. But the challenges facing young adults also reflect the failure of public policy to address
Policy Briefs

African Americans, Latinos and Economic Opportunity in the 21st Century

The United States faces major challenges in sustaining a strong middle class in the decades ahead. Rapidly changing, often volatile economic conditions are making it more difficult to enter the middle class -- and stay there. Even as the bar to a middle class life is raised higher, economic
Research
Jennifer Wheary

Boards of Elections Continue Illegally To Disfranchise Voters with Felony Convictions

  The Brennan Center for Justice, Demos and the Legal Action Center call upon the New York State Board of Elections to end the systematic practice of illegally disenfranchising thousands of eligible voters.  A survey of 63 local election boards conducted late last year by the Brennan Center and
Research

Background on the Parties to Randall v. Sorrell

For the first time since its decision in Buckley v. Valeo nearly 30 years ago, the Supreme Court has agreed to review the  constitutionality of campaign spending limits.  The case,  Randall v.  Sorrell, No. 04-1528, raises issues that go to the heart of our democracy.  Vermont’s comprehensive reform
Policy Briefs

The Voting Rights Act's Protection Against Racial Discrimination

Testimony on the need to restore Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act’s protections against purposeful racial discrimination in jurisdictions that are subject to the Section 5 preclearance requirement.

Testimony and Public Comment
Brenda Wright

Transforming Economic Power: State and Local Approaches to Corporate Reform

This new Demos report, published in collaboration with Business Ethics Magazine, explores growing efforts by state and local governments to ensure corporate accountability. It looks at the changing role of state treasurers, labor pension funds, and others working to demand more responsible business
Research
David Smith
Nicholas Greenberg