ACLU Statement on 2018 Midterm Election Results

NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union spent $28.3 million in the midterm elections by supporting ballot measures, raising civil liberties issues in candidate races, and building a massive voter mobilization program across the country.

Anthony Romero, ACLU Executive Director, offered the following reaction:

“Millions of Americans exercised their right to vote in this election. In key battleground states, that right was also expanded so that 2 million additional voters will be able to be cast their ballots in Florida, Michigan, and Nevada in 2020.”

“Voting is the bedrock principle upon which our democracy rests. We are proud to have played a part in expanding voting rights to more than 2 million people in key states: by re-enfranchising 1.4 million people with prior convictions in Florida, and through a suite of voting reforms in Michigan and Nevada. These reforms enacted by these ballot referenda will have impacts for elections to come. They will help create a groundswell of energy and engagement in future elections.”

“Civil liberties and civil rights were on the ballot across the country and voters responded in a big way. From expanding voting rights to protecting immigrants’ rights and transgender equity, people headed to the polls and supported civil rights and civil liberties. The ACLU has always been and will continue to be on the frontlines of these fights. We felt the imperative to get involved this election cycle – because so much is at stake, especially for the marginalized communities we care about.”

The ACLU hired dozens of new staff, mobilized volunteers and directly contacted three million voters through a significant investment in its new ACLU Voter program.