An equitable and just democracy is critical to ensuring that our government serves and represents all New Mexicans and all communities. The communities hardest hit by climate change and plagued with legacy pollution – rural, Indigenous and/or communities of color – have also historically been denied access to the ballot box. 

In 2021 alone, 19 states passed 34 laws restrict­ing access to voting, and more than 440 bills were intro­duced in 49 states. These restrictions disproportionately target voters of color, creating more obstacles to prevent communities from exercising their right to vote. 

CVNM/CVNM Education Fund works to connect communities of color, Indigenous communities, low-wealth communities, rural communities, and young voters to our country’s civic process. The power to fight back against corporate polluters and take state action on climate grows when every voice in every community is represented in our democracy.