Months into President Donald Trump’s second term in office, the League of Women Voters (LWV) declared a “Constitutional Crisis” and launched Unite and Rise 8.5, a nationwide initiative to engage and mobilize 8.5 million voters to protect and preserve democracy. Why 8.5? 8.5 million is the estimated number of voters it would take to bring about change through nonviolent protest.
On Aug. 8, LWV will lead hundreds of civic actions across the US to mark the anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and to mobilize voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Here’s what you need to know to become one of the 8.5 million voters needed to protect democracy.
What’s a “constitutional crisis”.
The LWV declared a constitutional crisis on April 17, 2025, defining it in these terms:
“When the executive, the legislative, or judiciary branches cannot or will not adequately protect the US Constitution, when there are explicit attempts to dismantle a functional democracy within any of the three branches, or when any level of federal government takes action to destroy democratic institutions in a manner that intentionally or purposefully jeopardizes the US Constitution.”
Attacks on Democracy
Voting rights are being debated and challenged across the country. Recent proposals and executive actions have targeted voter registration and mail-in voting.
In June of 2026, under the Trump administration, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) issued a notice that it was expanding its oversight of state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs, including allowing the ACF to share detailed records about recipients with other federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) recently joined the coalition suing the Trump administration over the policy change.
In a prime-time address on July 16, President Donald Trump again cast doubt on the integrity of American elections. Trump alleged that vulnerabilities exist in American election systems and suggested that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him, a claim that has been debunked by the president’s own Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and many other experts.
In the same speech, President Trump put pressure on Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, legislation that voting right advocates argue could block millions of eligible voters, especially women, seniors, students, and communities of color from participating in our democracy.
“Unite & Rise for Voting Rights” Day of Action on August 8
The LWV is hosting civic actions and events centered on increasing voter engagement, turnout, and education across the country on Aug. 8. Featured events with local leagues in Wisconsin include:
Voting Rights Action Day GOTV Canvass in Dane County, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Volunteers will receive training and work in pairs, going door to door to talk with voters in lower-turnout neighborhoods on the south side and north side of Madison with information about the Aug 11 partisan primary election.
Voting Rights Presentation in Rock County, 2-4 p.m.
Hear from attorney Joan Schwartz on Constitutional amendments appearing on the November ballot, and from Debra Cronmiller, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, on progress toward a national popular vote for president.
Community Gathering in Milwaukee, 3-4 p.m.
Connect with voting rights advocates. Additional events are being held by The League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County on Aug. 6 and 7.
Click here for a full list “Unite & Rise for Voting Rights” Day of Action events in Wisconsin.
Take action online:
- Click here to use the LWV’ online tool to tell Congress to oppose the SAVE Act Suite of bills.
- Click here to commit to Unite and Rise in the Fight for Democracy with LWV of Wisconsin.
“Voting is the foundation of our democracy, and every eligible voter deserves to cast their ballot with confidence. Protecting voting rights is central to the League’s mission because our democracy is strongest when every voice is heard. We honor those who fought for the right to vote by continuing their work and defending that right for generations to come.”
Sinceree Dixon, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin
Have an event to add? Email State Organizing Coordinator, Abigail Deatrick, abigail@couriernewsroom.com with details (please send details at least one week before the event).
Are you ready to vote? Use our tool below to verify your voter registration, find your polling place, and access important voting information. Plus, set reminders for future elections and share key voting details with your friends and family.
