Research & Analysis

News & resources

Freedom is threatened by democracy crumbling from within. We use research, technology, and data analysis to protect what's working in our democracy today — and to help build the democracy of tomorrow.

A person voting at a voting booth.

A primer on party preferential voting

How a party- and candidate-centered approach to proportional representation could work for U.S. elections.

April 9, 2026

  • Shaping the Democracy of Tomorrow
  • Reports
A sign for a grand jury in Santa Monica.

A guide to understanding the federal grand jury

Grand jurors are part of a tradition the Founders specifically wrote into the Bill of Rights to protect all of us from government abuses.

April 3, 2026

  • Building Pro-Democracy Collective Action
  • Analysis
A woman practicing mindfulness outside

Foundations: Safety and self-care

Protective measures and self-care strategies are crucial for maintaining long-term resilience and hope.

April 2, 2026

  • Building Pro-Democracy Collective Action
  • Analysis
Protesters in coats from behind

Foundations: Advocacy

There is no one way to be an activist – and that’s a great thing! In the attention economy one thing never dominates everyone’s attention.

April 2, 2026

  • Building Pro-Democracy Collective Action
  • Analysis
Volunteers asking people to sign a petition

Foundations: Organizing

Organizing is at the heart of a healthy democracy and is one of the strongest tools communities have to counter authoritarian tactics. 

April 2, 2026

  • Building Pro-Democracy Collective Action
  • Analysis
The DHS logo on the side of the DHS headquarters.

The SAVE tool, explained 

The use of the SAVE tool are part of a larger effort to weaponize government data and tilt the 2026 elections before a single ballot is cast. 

March 26, 2026

  • Protecting Elections
  • Analysis
The Back of the White House

What is anticipatory obedience? 

Anticipatory obedience is when a person or institution obeys an autocrat in advance — before any direct threat has been issued.

March 23, 2026

  • Building Pro-Democracy Collective Action
  • Analysis