The League of Women Voters of the United States has declared that we are in a constitutional crisis, and in response launched an initiative called Unite and Rise 8.5 on May 1. Jonathan Capehart and David Brooks referred to the League declaration and discussed it briefly on their PBS News Hour segment. We urge you to read the full LWVUS statement on a constitutional crisis.

Since the current administration took office in January 2025, democratic systems have been endangered, and Congress has chosen not to intervene. The administration is defying a Supreme Court order to facilitate the return of a mistakenly deported Maryland father, Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, to the United States.  

In announcing the Unite and Rise 8.5 initiative, the League emphasized that we invite all Americans to participate in this movement. The name of the intiative refers to the estimated number of voters that must activate to combat an authoritarian takeover attempt through nonpartisan, nonviolent protest and civic activism. The Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights found that when 3.5% of the population is activated, movements have never failed to bring about change. Based on the eligible voters for the 2024 general election, 3.5% of the eligible voters would be about 8.5 million. 

The Multifaceted Approach of Unite and Rise 8.5

While specific actions have yet to be announced, the national League outlines several types of endeavors that will bring about change. Please join the League of Women Voters of Metro St. Louis in engaging in the following activities, whether or not you are a League member:

• Public Mobilization & Coalition Building: Build a movement of millions of people for both quick and long-range activist campaigns, uplift local voices, and partner with other grassroots groups, as well as national and international organizations
• Civic Education & Engagement: Educate our communities about governmental and civic structures, launch large-scale public awareness campaigns, expand our already robust voter registration and turnout efforts, host educational forums, build awareness of how policy impacts real life, and equip people with tools to take effective action
• Democracy Resilience: Build a lasting and resilient infrastructure that will protect democratic values and institutions in the long term
• Advocacy: Advocate for electoral integrity at state and federal levels, fight voter suppression, protect due process, and support  litigation as necessary 

How to Participate in Defending Democracy

If you would like to join forces with the local League, please join as a member or contact us. We welcome partnerships with local organizations.