Stand Up for Democracy: Join the AFL-CIO's P.O.W.E.R. Voter Protection Campaign
Working people have never backed down from a fight for democracy—and we're not about to start now.
The labor movement is launching the P.O.W.E.R. (Protect, Organize, Win, Engage, Right Now) Voter Registration and Protection Campaign to ensure every union member has the opportunity to make their voice heard in the 2026 elections.
The campaign comes in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's recent Callais decision, which weakens protections under the Voting Rights Act and threatens fair representation for working people across the country. The new P.O.W.E.R. toolkit provides union members with resources to protect voting rights, educate communities, and build a stronger democracy.
What You Can Do Today
The Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO is asking every union member to take a few simple but important steps:
- Check your voter registration to ensure your information is current.
- Encourage your family, friends, and fellow union members to verify their registration and be ready to vote.
- Take the P.O.W.E.R. Pledge and commit to protecting voting rights and strengthening our democracy.
- Share the pledge with your network and help build a movement of informed, engaged union voters.
What Does P.O.W.E.R. Stand For?
By signing the pledge, union members commit to:
- Protect the right to vote and ensure every worker can safely cast a ballot.
- Organize workers and strengthen the labor movement.
- Win elections that will shape the future of workers' rights.
- Engage fellow union members through conversations and outreach.
- Right Now by taking action today—not waiting until Election Day.
More Ways to Get Involved
The toolkit also connects members with valuable resources, including:
- Information about voter rights and voting access.
- Opportunities to serve as a poll worker through Power the Polls.
- The nonpartisan 866-OUR-VOTE Election Protection Hotline.
- AFL-CIO election protection trainings covering topics such as AI and election deepfakes, voter protection, and protecting polling places.
- Local volunteer opportunities led by State Federations and Central Labor Councils.
Democracy Is Stronger When Working People Vote
For generations, union members have fought to expand—not restrict—the right to vote. That work continues today.
The Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO encourages every affiliate and every union member to take the P.O.W.E.R. Pledge, stay informed, and help ensure every eligible voter can cast a ballot and have it counted.
Together, we can protect our democracy, strengthen our unions, and continue building a future where working people have a powerful voice at the ballot box.
Take the P.O.W.E.R. Pledge and learn more by visiting:
https://actionnetwork.org/forms/powerpledge