The Quiet Battle for Free Speech
Why civic engagement groups are essential—and why politicians fear them.
Every election cycle, dedicated citizens across America quietly do something extraordinary: they help their neighbors participate in democracy. They register voters, educate communities, and ensure every voice counts. These civic engagement groups, often working in the shadows, are the unsung heroes of our democratic system.
But what happens when their fundamental right to speak out and encourage participation comes under attack?
Kansas Tried to Silence Civic Voices
In recent years, some state politicians have increasingly targeted civic engagement groups. One stark example was Kansas' House Bill (HB) 2332, a law explicitly designed to prevent out-of-state groups from sending personalized mail-in ballot applications to Kansas voters. These applications are vital — they help voters understand their options and participate safely and securely in elections.
Kansas wasn't alone. Similar legislation has popped up in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Montana — often quietly buried in larger anti-voter bills, aiming to suppress voter participation under the radar.
Stepping Into the Ring
When democracy faced this dire threat, Bright America’s strategic partner Campaign Legal Center (CLC), took action, filing a lawsuit in 2021 to protect the First Amendment rights of groups like the Voter Participation Center.
CLC argued convincingly that engaging voters through personalized mail voting applications isn't just essential civic engagement — it's core political speech protected under the Constitution.
Victory — Not Once, But Twice
In 2023, the district court delivered a powerful affirmation, agreeing with CLC and ruling HB 2332 unconstitutional, declaring clearly that Kansas's law violated the fundamental First Amendment right to free speech.
When the state appealed, the Tenth U.S. Circuit Court sent the case back for reconsideration. But CLC stood firm, fighting tirelessly in courtrooms to protect democracy’s champions.
And once again, the district court agreed. HB 2332 was struck down — again — confirming the vital principle that encouraging voter participation is protected free speech.
Why This Matters to You
Our democracy thrives when everyone can participate. Attacks on civic engagement groups don’t just silence these organizations — they stifle the voices of marginalized voters, including communities of color, low-income individuals, voters with disabilities, and young voters who historically face barriers at the ballot box.
CLC’s victories remind us that democracy is never passive; it requires active protection. And Bright America is proud to help fuel these efforts.
Fueling the Fight for Democracy
CLC’s victories are powered by support from citizens who believe in protecting democracy’s foundations. At Bright America, we’re driven to educate and engage as many Americans as possible on the incredible array of legal activity happening every day to save our democracy. Indeed, without these herculean efforts, democracy wouldn’t be in danger, it would be dead. That’s how important this work is, and why we want as many American invested in it as possible.
Your support of Bright America helps sustain the legal battles that protect and strengthen our democratic freedoms. Together, we ensure that civic heroes everywhere can continue their essential work, and that every American’s voice is heard, loud and clear.
The Fight Continues — And Needs You
In states like Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, and Montana, similar fights rage on. CLC, and by extension Bright America, remains on the front lines, ready to defend democracy wherever it’s threatened.
When you support Bright America — whether morally, financially, or both — you’re joining a powerful movement dedicated to safeguarding voting rights and free speech for every American… especially those doing the noble work of helping their fellow citizens exercise those same rights.