Advocacy Alert on Controlling and Abusive Litigation in Massachusetts.

All too often, even after a victim has left the person causing them harm, abusive former partners use the legal system to maintain power and control over the victim by continuously taking them to court. This leaves survivors physically unsafe and economically and emotionally drained. Please read the fact sheet. Learn more about how controlling litigation can be stopped now.

Congress continues to introduce bills that would require voters to present documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) to register and/or vote. In the 119th Congress, three major pieces of legislation have been introduced to require DPOC to vote, including:
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which passed the House in 2025 and would require citizenship documentation to register to vote, and, more recently The SAVE America Act and the Make Elections Great Again Act, which have even stricter components than the SAVE Act, like requirements for voters to present DPOC both at registration and the polls, and for absentee ballots to be received by election day.
In February, members of the House and Senate introduced new legislation with similar provisions of the SAVE Act. The most popular bill, which was immediately passed by the US House, is the SAVE America Act or SAVE Act 2.0.

The focus has been on spreading mis- and disinformation about voting in our country, largely around non-citizen voting. In fact, it is already illegal for non-citizens to register to vote AND cast a ballot in state and federal elections across the country. In 2016, the Brennan Center for Justice found that across 42 jurisdictions with high immigrant populations, there were only 30 cases of suspected noncitizens voting out of 23.5 million votes cast (.0001%). An audit of Georgia voter rolls found that out of 8.2 million registered voters, there were only 9 instances where a noncitizen cast a ballot. Claims that noncitizen voting is a true threat capitalizes on racism and fear to promote certain politicians’ agendas.(1)

The bill’s primary aim is to prevent non-citizens from voting, but in doing so will also present a barrier for millions of Americans who have legally changed their name from exercising their right to vote in federal elections.That might sound simple, but the reality is that millions of eligible voters don’t have these documents readily available. Because these bills would require showing this proof in person, they would eliminate online and mail-in voter registration. And, establish criminal penalties for election officials who register individuals without the required documentation

These bills wouldn’t improve election security–would just make it significantly harder for everyday Americans to vote. If passed, these bills would disproportionately impact:

Married women and others who have changed their last names, many of whom don’t have birth certificates matching their legal name
Trans and nonbinary people
Naturalized citizens who could face additional barriers and intimidation
Military members, tribal citizens, and working-class Americans, who may not have easy access to these documents
Rural Americans who would no longer have access to online and mail-in voting
Families who have been impacted by natural disasters and lost important documentation, who would be required to jump through hoops to replace these documents while also going through the traumatic process of rebuilding their lives.
And others

Of note: Compared to white US citizens, citizens of color are three times more likely to lack documents such as birth certificates, passports, naturalization certificates, or certificates of citizenship or face difficulties accessing them. For example, while approximately half of all American adults possess a passport, two-thirds of Black Americans do not.

Americans do not need MORE obstacles to vote. The SAVE Act would create one more barrier to the voting process, as many eligible voters do not have easy access to the necessary documents.

It is important to note as American citizens navigating through this critical moment for our democracy, to remember that every action — big or small — moves us closer to the future we deserve. Whether making calls to Congress, registering to vote, or simply talking with friends and family about what’s at stake. Keep pushing, keep organizing, and keep believing in the power of the people.

(1) https://www.lwv.org/blog/save-act-headed-senate-push-restrict-voting-access

Click here to open Preparedness Pamphlet

Go Bag Project

We are currently putting together 50 Go Bags as a service project for underserved families to use in evacuation situations due to a climate crisis or other unforeseen emergency. We are looking for backpacks or duffle bags and critical items that would be needed – such as first aid kits, lighters, flashlights, waterproof document bags, etc. (Wish list)
Also included with the Go Bag will be an educational pamphlet on how to prepare for an emergency, a PDF copy of which is included on this page..

If you are able, we are looking for individuals, businesses and organizations to donate an item (in quantities of 50) that would be of value in a Go Bag, making you a co-sponsor of this project! If easier, we are happy to accept a gift certificate, an online donation, or a check to be used toward the purchase of items needed. With your permission, we will add your name/logo to the webpage and include your involvement in publicity efforts. Contact a Zonta member to get an address for delivery or request pickup. Click here to download the request to donate letter.

Invitation to Sponsor Emergency Preparedness GoBags

Climate Change
3-14-22 climate change