Democracy
Democracy
Confronting the climate crisis and advancing environmental justice fully depend on a functioning democracy. This means ensuring every American's fundamental right to vote is protected, fair and just judges sit on our courts, and our voices aren’t silenced by fossil fuel billionaires and corporations.
Why does Sierra Club work on strengthening our democracy?
The fight for equity, democracy, and a livable planet are interconnected. Many of the critical issues that our nation faces -- tackling the climate crisis, transitioning to 100% clean energy, combating environmental injustices, accessible reproductive healthcare, criminal justice reform, to name a few -- cannot be fully addressed until we fix our broken democracy.
Too often the communities most impacted by climate change and pollution are the same communities targeted by fossil fuel billionaires, voter suppression, and silenced by big money in politics. Without the ability to easily cast their ballot, everyday Americans will have far more difficulty electing the candidates who best represent their values and priorities into the halls where decisions are made. That's why protecting the right to vote, ensuring free and fair elections, and reducing the influence of polluters and big money in politics are top priorities for the Sierra Club.
Additionally, a strong and healthy democracy must include a strong and healthy judiciary. Without judges and justices who are fair and just in our district and circuit courts, as well as the Supreme Court, many of our environmental priorities will be at risk.
Multiple Supreme Court decisions, including the disastrous Citizens United decision, opened the door for fossil fuel billionaires and polluting industries to pour exorbitant amounts of money to influence elections.
69%
67%
support prioritizing renewable energy
Strong Democracy = Healthy environment
Poll after poll show that the American people strongly support action to combat the climate crisis and move our nation towards clean energy. Yet, all too often the voices of the people are curtailed by voter suppression, gerrymandered districts and polluter money flooding elections. Protecting the freedom to vote is crucial to ensuring every voice is heard so we have effective and accountable elected officials in place to combat the climate crisis.
Victory!
No Kings Once Again Saw Record Turnout!
No Kings is a peaceful national day of action against growing corruption and disregard for the rule of law. In June of 2025, 5 million people peacefully took to the streets. In October of 2025, it was 7 million. In March of 2026, 8 million of our friends and neighbors turned out to over 3,300 events in cities and towns across the United States. Our movement is growing. When enough of us fight back, we can build the power we need to stop Trump's destructive agenda.
What We Are Doing
The United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Photo by Gage Skidmore.
Sierra Club's Democracy Program participates in a number of pro-democracy and judicial coalitions, composed of other environmental organizations along with organizations across the broader progressive movement including those who work on civil rights, good government, faith, voting rights, labor, and reproductive rights. Together, we fight for a fair and equitable democracy where every American can easily cast their ballot for leaders who best represent their values, principles, and priorities free from the corrupting influence of the fossil fuel industry and billionaires.
What You Can Do
Congress: Hold the Administration Accountable to Protect People, Democracy, and Public Lands
The Department of Homeland Security is escalating militarization on our public lands, which makes these places less safe for all of us. There are moments that require us all to rise up and speak out. This is one of those times. Demand that Congress holds the Department of Homeland Security accountable for protecting our people, democracy, and public lands.
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