Brennan Center

The Brennan Center for Justice is an impartial organization focused on law and policy. Our mission is to promote democratic values. We advocate for equal justice and uphold the rule of law. Our efforts are directed towards developing and supporting reforms that will enhance American democracy for everyone.

National

English, Spanish

Non-profit

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#78430

United States

#18342

Law and Government/Legal

#91

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

Dark Money Hit a Record High of $1.9 Billion in 2024 Federal Races

1 week ago | brennancenter.org | Anna Massoglia

Types of Dark Money Spending The term dark money as used in this analysis refers to election spending and contributions by nonprofits and shell companies that are not legally required to — and do not — disclose the identities of their donors. The lack of transparency does not make the spending analyzed here illegal, although the Brennan Center supports legislation to require full disclosure of more of it.
ICE’s Courthouse Arrest Policy Collides with State Courts

2 weeks ago | brennancenter.org | Douglas Keith

On Friday, federal law enforcement arrested a Wisconsin state judge for allegedly obstructing an immigration arrest at her courthouse. The move is an escalation in the conflict between the Trump administration and local authorities over immigration policies. It also undermines the ability of judiciaries to effectively carry out their duties.
The President’s Executive Order on Elections, Explained

1 month ago | brennancenter.org | Wendy Weiser

View the entire Explainers collection President Donald Trump last Tuesday issued an executive order that aims to illegally overhaul and take control of major parts of the nation’s election systems. He claimed extraordinary unilateral authority to regulate federal elections and usurp the powers of Congress, the states, and an independent bipartisan federal agency. This violates the Constitution and various federal laws.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Breaks Spending Record, Fueled by Out-of-State Money

1 month ago | brennancenter.org | Ian Vandewalker |Douglas Keith

The upcoming election for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court just became the most expensive judicial race in American history. Thanks to unlimited spending allowed by Citizens United and other court decisions, money is flowing into the race from all over the country. This infusion of national spending risks drowning out voices from within the state.
Defending HBCUs Safeguards Democracy

2 months ago | brennancenter.org | Chelsea Jones

For generations, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have provided the infrastructure for voting rights advancement. Yet their stability is now insecure as the threats of executive orders, unreliable funding, and anti-voter policies loom. As we reflect on how the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, changed the course of the struggle for voting rights 60 years ago, it is imperative that we recognize the institutions that undergirded this movement.
The SAVE Act Would Hurt Americans Who Actively Participate in Elections | Brennan Center for Justice

2 months ago | brennancenter.org

Many voters who cast a ballot in 2020 wouldn’t be able to provide documents proving their citizenship under the SAVE Act. And even many who have the documents would have to find a new way to register to vote.
Strong Enforcement Protects the Integrity of Public Campaign Financing

2 months ago | brennancenter.org | Marina Pino |Ian Vandewalker

New York State’s pathbreaking public campaign financing program made its debut in the 2024 election. It was a clear success, with broad participation among candidates from both parties who relied significantly more on small donors from their districts instead of big money and special interests compared with previous election cycles.
Who Benefits from Trump’s Move to Shut Down Consumer Financial Protection Bureau?

2 months ago | brennancenter.org | Eric Petry |Ian Vandewalker

President Trump campaigned on providing economic relief to working Americans, promising to “drive down prices” on day one.
States and the Balance of Power

Feb 12, 2025 | brennancenter.org | Alicia Bannon

States, including state courts, play a much bigger role than many people realize in determining whether and how federal policies get implemented — and in curbing abuses of power. The early weeks of the Trump administration have included a jaw-dropping number of (often illegal) policy changes, many targeting immigrants, transgender people, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, along with efforts to politicize, weaken, or eliminate government agencies.
SAVE Act Would Undermine Voter Registration for All Americans

Feb 11, 2025 | brennancenter.org | Wendy Weiser |Andrew Garber

View the entire Federal Attacks on the Freedom to Vote collection Last month, congressional Republicans pledged to fast-track the SAVE Act, a bill that would require all Americans to provide a birth certificate, passport, or one of a few other citizenship documents every time they register or re-register to vote. If enacted, it would devastate voter registration while disenfranchising tens of millions of eligible American citizens.