Join our effort to make sure we never have a year like this again.

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Dear Friend,

Like almost everyone else, we are counting the days until this year is behind us – and what a year it’s been. Yet despite the many challenges we faced this year, and the hurdles still ahead, we want to pause to reflect on the successes as well.

This year, MapLight:
* Made combating online disinformation our top priority, including convening a coalition of democracy, tech policy, and civil rights groups to work together to pass federal and state legislation to combat online misinformation, and launching a new browser plug-in to fight voter suppression online.
* Identified and spotlighted serious gaps and loopholes in our nation’s election laws which, combined with the challenges of voting during the COVID-19 pandemic, posed threats to the integrity of the 2020 presidential election – and pushed these out into the national discourse before the election, in time to help the media and the public prepare for what was to come.
* Helped over 2 million people vote with Voter’s Edge, our one-stop online voter guide that provides nonpartisan information about candidates and ballot measures in local, state, and federal elections in California. Voter’s Edge is a joint project of MapLight and the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund.
* Published a new graphic novel – “Unrig: How to Fix Our Broken Democracy” – that explains the problems with our government and offers concrete and practical solutions to engage and inspire readers. From money in politics, to gerrymandering, voter suppression, the electoral college, and more, Unrig is making democracy’s challenges and solutions accessible to a wider audience.

And with 2021 on the horizon, we’re looking forward to a brighter new year ahead. Yet as we all know, ringing in the new year won’t, by itself, bring an end to the many problems we face as a country. The recent election and its aftermath have only spotlighted the deep-seated challenges that will face us in 2021 and after. And while we’re all tired, the work of repairing our broken democracy has never been more important or more timely.

We must take this opportunity to rebuild and revitalize our democratic institutions. We must hold power accountable to ensure that our government works for all people instead of a narrow few. And we must fight back against disinformation and online deception that are being used to divide the public and undermine trust in government.

American democracy is under relentless attack. We need supporters like you to help create a system that works for everyone. Today I’m asking you to join our cause and make a tax-deductible donation. Will you join us in declaring that our democracy is worth fighting for?

Become a democracy defender by donating to MapLight ([link removed]) today.

Supporters like you hold the power to get our democracy back on track. Working together, we can create a brighter future for all Americans.

Warmly,
Dan

P.S. If you're able, please consider joining us as one of our Lightkeepers and making your donation a weekly, monthly, or quarterly recurring donation ([link removed]) . Our Lightkeepers literally help keep the lights on, smoothing out the boom/bust cycle of civic engagement around elections.
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