Politics
Progressive voter engagement groups report severe funding shortfalls ahead of midterms
Voter mobilization organizations have raised nearly 40% less than in previous election cycles.
The short version
- Major left-leaning voter engagement organizations are facing steep funding shortfalls and staffing cutbacks as voting begins for the upcoming midterm elections.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
- A July memo among Democratic fundraisers noted that voter engagement groups have raised nearly 40% less compared to the same point in previous midterm cycles.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
- Budget constraints have forced organizations to scale back programs aimed at registering and mobilizing young, rural, and lower-propensity voters, as well as voters of color.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
Key facts
- America Votes reported that its funding levels have fallen well below those recorded during the 2022 midterm elections.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
- A fundraising memo in July warned that mobilization organizations raised nearly 40% less than at the same stage in 2018 and 2022.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
- The Democratic National Committee consolidated its voter engagement operations this year, citing past ecosystem shortcomings.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
What remains uncertain
- The extent to which reduced voter outreach will impact overall voter turnout in the midterm elections remains uncertain.[PBS NewsHour · ABC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Voting groups sound alarm on funding shortfalls that they say could affect midterm turnoutPBS NewsHour - Politics · Wire: associated-press
- Voting groups sound alarm on funding shortfalls that they say could affect midterm turnoutABC News - Politics