Voter engagement groups face funding shortfalls ahead of midterms

Major left-leaning voter engagement and racial justice organizations are reporting significant funding shortfalls and staffing reductions. These financial constraints come as voting begins for an election that will determine control of Congress for the remaining two years of the current presidential term.

America Votes, a coordinating hub for over 400 progressive groups including the NAACP, Planned Parenthood, and various labor unions like the AFL-CIO and SEIU, has seen funding levels fall “well below” those recorded during the 2022 midterms. Executive director Daria Dawson noted that the window to engage voters is narrowing.

Democratic strategists expressed concern that the lack of resources will hinder grassroots registration, get-out-the-vote efforts, and voter protection initiatives. Organizers noted that philanthropic support for liberal causes and groups focused on communities of color has decreased significantly following the 2024 presidential election.