In the United States and abroad, democracy is under attack. Though the 2020 U.S. presidential election boasted the highest voter turnout in U.S. history at 67%, doubts were cast about the legitimacy and integrity of the election. Some who protested the results called into question who gets to vote, how they get to vote, and what votes are counted. Counties were gerrymandered to dilute the influence of Black, Brown, and minority citizens. Over the course of the year, more than 30 laws with restrictive voting provisions passed across 19 states, many of which were aimed at low-income, Black, and Hispanic voters. Issues around voting rights, representation, and civic engagement have become a polarized battleground.
The $22 million Stronger Democracy Award, launched by ICONIQ Impact, Additional Ventures, The Patchwork Collective, and philanthropists in the ICONIQ community—will help improve political representation and increase participation in the United States’ democratic process. The United States needs sustained action and investment in organizations working to restore confidence in our democracy and reshape our political institutions to be more equitable, accessible, and representative. We’re hopeful this award will inspire new, bold solutions to help broaden civic participation and make our institutions and elected officials more representative.
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