Empower Your Voice, Shape Our Future

A comprehensive civic empowerment hub — track your politicians, understand legislation, know your rights, hold power accountable, and register to vote. All free. Forever.

535
Members of Congress
50
States Covered
100%
Free & Non-Partisan

Track Your Politicians

Know who represents you. See how they vote. Hold them accountable.

Laws & Legislation

Understand the laws that shape your life. See who they help, who they hurt, and what they actually do.

Legislation Impact Analysis

Federal Law

Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act

$1.2 trillion for roads, bridges, broadband, water, transit.

Who It Helps
Rural communitiesWorking-class jobsLow-income familiesCommunities of color
Concerns Raised
National debt increaseEnvironmental trade-offs
Federal Law

Inflation Reduction Act

$739 billion for climate, healthcare, tax reform.

Who It Helps
Medicare recipientsClean energy workersLow/middle-income families
Concerns Raised
Fossil fuel industryLarge corporations (tax)
Federal Bill

CROWN Act

Bans race-based hair discrimination in workplaces and schools.

Who It Helps
Black women & girlsBlack men & boysStudentsWorkers
Opposition
Employer dress code concerns
Federal Bill

George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

Bans chokeholds, ends qualified immunity, creates misconduct registry.

Who It Helps
Black communitiesLatino communitiesVictims of police violence
Opposition
Police unions opposeQualified immunity debate

Police Accountability Database

Tracking injustice and demanding accountability for Black Americans killed by law enforcement (2015-2024)

10,429
Total people killed by police 2015-2024
309
Unarmed Black Americans killed 2015-2024

The Data

Black Americans are killed by police at more than twice the rate of White Americans (6.1 per million vs 2.4 per million), despite comprising only 13% of the U.S. population. The databases below track every police killing since 2015, including circumstances, officer charges, and case outcomes.

Comprehensive Databases:

Washington Post Police Shootings Database (2015-2024):
Complete searchable database - Filter by race, armed status, mental health, fleeing status, and more. Over 10,000 cases documented.

Mapping Police Violence:
Interactive map and database - Tracks all police killings with case details, outcomes, and accountability metrics. 2024 was the deadliest year on record with 1,365 people killed.

Wikipedia List of Unarmed African Americans Killed:
Detailed case-by-case list - Individual stories, dates, circumstances, and outcomes for 309 unarmed victims from 2015-2024.

Notable Cases of Injustice (2014-2025)

George Floyd

May 25, 2020 - Minneapolis, MN

Unarmed. Killed during arrest for allegedly using counterfeit $20 bill. Officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds while Floyd repeatedly said "I can't breathe."

Outcome: Chauvin convicted of second-degree murder, sentenced to 22.5 years

Breonna Taylor

March 13, 2020 - Louisville, KY

Unarmed. Shot 8 times by police executing a no-knock warrant at her apartment. Officers were looking for a suspect who was already in custody. Taylor was an EMT sleeping in her home.

Outcome: No officers charged with her death; $12 million settlement to family

Philando Castile

July 6, 2016 - Falcon Heights, MN

Licensed to carry firearm. Shot 7 times by officer during traffic stop after informing officer he had a legal firearm. Girlfriend livestreamed aftermath on Facebook.

Outcome: Officer Jeronimo Yanez acquitted of all charges; $3 million settlement to family

Tamir Rice

November 22, 2014 - Cleveland, OH

12 years old. Shot within 2 seconds of police arrival while playing with toy gun in park. Officers claimed they ordered him to show hands; video showed no time for compliance.

Outcome: Grand jury declined to indict officers; $6 million settlement to family

Botham Jean

September 6, 2018 - Dallas, TX

Unarmed. Shot and killed in his own apartment by off-duty officer Amber Guyger who claimed she mistook his apartment for hers. Jean was eating ice cream and watching TV.

Outcome: Officer Guyger convicted of murder, sentenced to 10 years

Atatiana Jefferson

October 12, 2019 - Fort Worth, TX

Unarmed. Shot through her bedroom window by officer responding to welfare check. She was playing video games with her 8-year-old nephew. Officer never identified himself as police.

Outcome: Officer Aaron Dean convicted of manslaughter, sentenced to 11.8 years

Elijah McClain

August 24, 2019 - Aurora, CO

Unarmed. Stopped while walking home. Put in carotid hold, injected with ketamine by paramedics. Suffered cardiac arrest and died. Was not suspected of any crime.

Outcome: Two paramedics convicted; one officer convicted of criminally negligent homicide; $15 million settlement to family

Systemic Issues Documented

  • Evidence Planting: Cases where officers planted drugs or weapons documented by body camera footage
  • False Reports: Officers filing false incident reports contradicted by video evidence
  • Qualified Immunity: Legal doctrine shielding officers from civil liability in most cases
  • Lack of Accountability: Less than 3% of police killings result in criminal charges
  • No-Knock Warrants: Raids resulting in deaths of innocent people in their homes
  • Mental Health Crisis Response: Over 25% of people killed by police were experiencing mental health crises
Data Transparency Note:

Police departments are not federally required to report officer-involved shootings. These databases are compiled by journalists, researchers, and activists through news reports, public records requests, and crowdsourcing. The FBI's official database undercounts fatal police shootings by more than half. All statistics on this page are sourced from publicly available databases (Washington Post, Mapping Police Violence, Wikipedia) maintained by independent journalists and verified through multiple sources.

Know Your Rights

Understanding your voting rights ensures no one can take away your power to vote.

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Right to Vote Without Intimidation

Federal law prohibits voter intimidation. No one — including election officials, poll watchers, or other voters — may threaten, coerce, or pressure you at the polls.

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Right to Language Assistance

Under the Voting Rights Act, language assistance at polling places is provided for U.S. citizens who need it in areas with significant populations speaking languages other than English.

Right to Accessible Voting

The Americans with Disabilities Act requires polling places to be physically accessible. If you have a disability, you're entitled to assistance and accommodations.

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Right to a Provisional Ballot

If your name doesn't appear on the voter rolls or your eligibility is questioned, you have the right to cast a provisional ballot under the Help America Vote Act.

Right to Time Off to Vote

Many states require employers to give workers time off to vote. Policies vary — some provide paid leave, others unpaid. Check your state's laws.

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Right to Report Problems

If you encounter voting issues — broken machines, long waits, or discriminatory practices — you can report them. Call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

Voter ID Requirements

Photo identification helps ensure election security and prevent fraud. Most states require voters to show valid identification at the polls. Acceptable forms typically include:

  • Driver's license or state-issued ID card
  • U.S. Passport
  • Military ID
  • Tribal ID (in some states)

Free voter ID cards are available in most states that require photo ID. Check your state's specific requirements at Vote.org/voter-id-laws

U.S. Constitution & Amendments

The supreme law of the United States, establishing our government structure and protecting our fundamental rights.

The Constitution

The U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1788 and is the oldest written national constitution still in use. It establishes the framework for the federal government and defines the relationship between the government and the people.

Read the full Constitution: National Archives - Constitution

The Three Branches of Government

Legislative Branch (Article I): Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) makes federal laws

Executive Branch (Article II): The President enforces federal laws

Judicial Branch (Article III): The Supreme Court and federal courts interpret laws

The Bill of Rights (First 10 Amendments)

Amendment I: Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition

Amendment II: Right to keep and bear arms

Amendment III: No quartering of soldiers in private homes without consent

Amendment IV: Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

Amendment V: Due process, protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy

Amendment VI: Right to a speedy and public trial, impartial jury, and legal counsel

Amendment VII: Right to jury trial in civil cases

Amendment VIII: Protection against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment

Amendment IX: Rights retained by the people beyond those listed in the Constitution

Amendment X: Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to states and the people

Additional Amendments (11-27)

Amendment XI (1795): Limits lawsuits against states

Amendment XII (1804): Revised presidential election procedures

Amendment XIII (1865): Abolished slavery

Amendment XIV (1868): Citizenship rights, equal protection, due process

Amendment XV (1870): Right to vote cannot be denied based on race

Amendment XVI (1913): Federal income tax authorized

Amendment XVII (1913): Direct election of U.S. Senators

Amendment XVIII (1919): Prohibition of alcohol (Repealed by Amendment XXI)

Amendment XIX (1920): Women's right to vote

Amendment XX (1933): Presidential and Congressional term dates

Amendment XXI (1933): Repeal of Prohibition

Amendment XXII (1951): Presidential term limits (two terms)

Amendment XXIII (1961): Electoral votes for Washington, D.C.

Amendment XXIV (1964): Abolished poll taxes

Amendment XXV (1967): Presidential succession and disability

Amendment XXVI (1971): Voting age lowered to 18

Amendment XXVII (1992): Congressional pay changes take effect after next election

Register to Vote

Your voice matters. Registration is the first step to making it heard in every election.

How to Register

Registering to vote is straightforward. Here's what you need:

  • Valid photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
  • Social Security number (last 4 digits)
  • Current residential address
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Age 18 or older by Election Day

Register online: Vote.gov/register

Check your registration status: Vote.gov

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Online Registration

Most states allow online registration. Quick, easy, and secure.

Register Now →

Check Status

Verify your voter registration is current and your info is correct.

Check Status →
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Find Your Polling Place

Locate where you vote on Election Day.

Find Location →

Free Help & Resources - All 50 States

Essential resources for food, shelter, mental health, education, and financial assistance across every state - all at no cost.

🇺🇸 National Resources (All States)

Food Assistance

SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps): Apply for food assistance

Feeding America: Find local food banks - 200+ food banks nationwide

211 Helpline: Call or text 211 - Connects you to local food pantries, meal programs, and emergency food

Housing & Shelter

HUD Housing Assistance: Apply for rental assistance

National Coalition for the Homeless: Shelter directory by state

211 Housing Help: Call 211 for local emergency shelter and housing assistance

Mental Health Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 - Free 24/7 mental health crisis support

SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) - Free confidential treatment referral

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 - Free 24/7 crisis counseling via text

NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) - Free mental health support and resources

Healthcare

Medicaid: Apply for free health coverage

Community Health Centers: Find free/low-cost clinics - Sliding scale fees

Education & Grants

Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year - Does not require repayment

FAFSA: Apply for all federal student aid

Emergency Cash Assistance

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families): Cash assistance for families

Modest Needs: Emergency grants - One-time financial help

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Healthcare

Free or low-cost medical care, prescriptions, and mental health services.

Find Health Centers →
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Housing

Emergency shelter, rental assistance, and homelessness prevention.

Housing Help →
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Food

Food banks, SNAP benefits, and meal programs near you.

Find Food Banks →
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Education

Scholarships, grants, and free educational programs.

Student Aid →
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Job Training

Free workforce development and job placement services.

Career Resources →
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Legal Aid

Free legal assistance for civil matters and rights protection.

Legal Help →

State-by-State Resources

Find your state below for specific resources. Call 211 in any state for immediate local assistance.

Alabama

Alabama Department of Human Resources: Apply for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Alabama 211: Call 211 or visit 211Alabama.org

Alabama Food Bank Association: Find food pantries

Alaska

Alaska Department of Health: Public assistance programs

Alaska 211: Call 211 for local resources

Food Bank of Alaska: Find food assistance

Arizona

Arizona Department of Economic Security: SNAP, TANF, healthcare assistance

Arizona 211: Call 211 or text ZIP to 898211

St. Mary's Food Bank: Food assistance

Arkansas

Arkansas Department of Human Services: Apply for benefits

Arkansas 211: Call 211 for local help

Arkansas Foodbank: Find food pantries

California

California Department of Social Services: CalFresh (SNAP), CalWORKs, Medi-Cal

California 211: Call 211 or visit 211.org

California Association of Food Banks: Find local food banks

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: LA County resources

Colorado

Colorado PEAK: Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance

Colorado 211: Call 211 or visit Colorado211.org

Food Bank of the Rockies: Find food assistance

Connecticut

Connecticut Department of Social Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Connecticut 211: Call 211 or dial 2-1-1

Connecticut Food Bank: Food assistance

Delaware

Delaware Health and Social Services: Apply for benefits

Delaware 211: Call 211 for local resources

Food Bank of Delaware: Find food pantries

Florida

Florida Department of Children and Families: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Florida 211: Call 211 or visit 211.org

Feeding Florida: Find food banks statewide

Georgia

Georgia Department of Human Services: SNAP, TANF, child care assistance

Georgia 211: Call 211 for local help

Atlanta Community Food Bank: Food assistance

Hawaii

Hawaii Department of Human Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Aloha United Way 211: Call 211 for resources

Hawaii Foodbank: Find food assistance

Idaho

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: Apply for benefits

Idaho 211: Call 211 or visit 211.org

Idaho Foodbank: Food assistance

Illinois

Illinois Department of Human Services: SNAP, TANF, healthcare

Illinois 211: Call 211 or visit 211Illinois.org

Greater Chicago Food Depository: Food banks

Indiana

Indiana Family and Social Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Indiana 211: Call 211 for local help

Feeding Indiana's Hungry: Find food banks

Iowa

Iowa Department of Human Services: Apply for benefits

Iowa 211: Call 211 or dial 2-1-1

Food Bank of Iowa: Food assistance

Kansas

Kansas Department for Children and Families: SNAP, TANF, child care

Kansas 211: Call 211 for resources

Kansas Food Bank: Find food pantries

Kentucky

Kentucky Department for Community Based Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Kentucky 211: Call 211 or visit KY211.org

Kentucky Association of Food Banks: Food assistance

Louisiana

Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Louisiana 211: Call 211 for local help

Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank: Food assistance

Maine

Maine Department of Health and Human Services: Apply for benefits

Maine 211: Call 211 or dial 2-1-1

Good Shepherd Food Bank: Find food pantries

Maryland

Maryland Department of Human Services: SNAP, TANF, healthcare

Maryland 211: Call 211 or visit 211Maryland.org

Maryland Food Bank: Food assistance

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance: SNAP, TANF, emergency aid

Massachusetts 211: Call 211 for resources

Greater Boston Food Bank: Find food banks

Michigan

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Michigan 211: Call 211 or dial 2-1-1

Feeding America West Michigan: Food assistance

Minnesota

Minnesota Department of Human Services: SNAP, TANF, healthcare

Minnesota 211: Call 211 for local help

Second Harvest Heartland: Food banks

Mississippi

Mississippi Department of Human Services: SNAP, TANF, child care

Mississippi 211: Call 211 for resources

Mississippi Food Network: Find food pantries

Missouri

Missouri Department of Social Services: Apply for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Missouri 211: Call 211 or dial 2-1-1

St. Louis Area Foodbank: Food assistance

Montana

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services: SNAP, TANF, healthcare

Montana 211: Call 211 for local help

Montana Food Bank Network: Find food banks

Nebraska

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services: Apply for benefits

Nebraska 211: Call 211 for resources

Food Bank for the Heartland: Food assistance

Nevada

Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Nevada 211: Call 211 or dial 2-1-1

Three Square Food Bank: Las Vegas food assistance

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services: SNAP, TANF, healthcare

New Hampshire 211: Call 211 for local help

New Hampshire Food Bank: Find food pantries

New Jersey

New Jersey Department of Human Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

New Jersey 211: Call 211 or visit NJ211.org

Community FoodBank of New Jersey: Food assistance

New Mexico

New Mexico Human Services Department: Apply for benefits

New Mexico 211: Call 211 for resources

Roadrunner Food Bank: Food banks

New York

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance: SNAP, TANF, emergency assistance

New York 211: Call 211 or dial 2-1-1

Food Bank for New York City: NYC food assistance

Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York: Upstate NY

North Carolina

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

North Carolina 211: Call 211 for local help

Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina: Food assistance

North Dakota

North Dakota Department of Human Services: Apply for benefits

North Dakota 211: Call 211 for resources

Great Plains Food Bank: Find food pantries

Ohio

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Ohio 211: Call 211 or dial 2-1-1

Mid-Ohio Foodbank: Columbus food assistance

Cleveland Foodbank: Northeast Ohio

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Department of Human Services: SNAP, TANF, child care

Oklahoma 211: Call 211 for local help

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma: Food assistance

Oregon

Oregon Department of Human Services: SNAP, TANF, healthcare

Oregon 211: Call 211 or visit 211Info.org

Oregon Food Bank: Find food pantries

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Pennsylvania 211: Call 211 for resources

Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger: Food assistance

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank: Western PA

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Department of Human Services: Apply for benefits

Rhode Island 211: Call 211 or dial 2-1-1

Rhode Island Community Food Bank: Food assistance

South Carolina

South Carolina Department of Social Services: SNAP, TANF, child care

South Carolina 211: Call 211 for local help

Harvest Hope Food Bank: Food banks

South Dakota

South Dakota Department of Social Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

South Dakota 211: Call 211 for resources

Feeding South Dakota: Find food pantries

Tennessee

Tennessee Department of Human Services: SNAP, TANF, child care

Tennessee 211: Call 211 or dial 2-1-1

Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee: Nashville area

Texas

Texas Health and Human Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Texas 211: Call 211 or text ZIP to 898211

North Texas Food Bank: Dallas area - 13 counties

Houston Food Bank: Southeast Texas

San Antonio Food Bank: South Central Texas

Austin Area Urban League: Job training, education, housing

Lone Star Legal Aid: Free legal help

Utah

Utah Department of Workforce Services: SNAP, TANF, employment services

Utah 211: Call 211 for local resources

Utah Food Bank: Food assistance

Vermont

Vermont Department for Children and Families: SNAP, TANF, healthcare

Vermont 211: Call 211 or dial 2-1-1

Vermont Foodbank: Find food pantries

Virginia

Virginia Department of Social Services: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

Virginia 211: Call 211 for local help

Federation of Virginia Food Banks: Statewide food assistance

Washington

Washington Department of Social and Health Services: SNAP, TANF, healthcare

Washington 211: Call 211 or visit WA211.org

Northwest Harvest: Food banks

West Virginia

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources: SNAP, TANF, Medicaid

West Virginia 211: Call 211 for resources

Mountaineer Food Bank: Food assistance

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Department of Health Services: FoodShare (SNAP), W-2, BadgerCare

Wisconsin 211: Call 211 or dial 2-1-1

Feeding Wisconsin: Find food banks

Wyoming

Wyoming Department of Family Services: SNAP, TANF, child care

Wyoming 211: Call 211 for local help

Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies: Food assistance

Organizations Making a Difference

Nonpartisan organizations fighting for voting rights, civic engagement, racial justice, and accountability.

NAACP

The nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization, fighting for racial justice, voter protection, and equal opportunity since 1909.

Visit NAACP →
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ACLU

Defending civil liberties and constitutional rights through litigation, legislation, and community organizing across all 50 states.

Visit ACLU →
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League of Women Voters

Empowering voters and defending democracy through education, advocacy, and nonpartisan voter guides for over 100 years.

Visit LWV →
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Common Cause

Government accountability watchdog fighting gerrymandering, dark money in politics, and voter suppression at every level.

Visit Common Cause →
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Brennan Center for Justice

Nonpartisan law and policy institute working to reform, revitalize, and defend democracy through voting rights and court reform.

Visit Brennan Center →
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Rock the Vote

Building political power for young people through voter registration drives, education campaigns, and youth civic engagement.

Visit Rock the Vote →
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When We All Vote

Nonpartisan initiative co-chaired by Michelle Obama, dedicated to increasing voter participation and closing the voting gap.

Visit When We All Vote →
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FairVote

Leading the movement for electoral reform including ranked choice voting, fair representation, and a stronger democracy.

Visit FairVote →
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Color of Change

The nation's largest online racial justice organization, running campaigns that create real accountability and systemic change.

Visit Color of Change →
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Southern Poverty Law Center

Tracking hate groups, fighting extremism, and seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society through litigation.

Visit SPLC →
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Campaign Zero

Research-based policy solutions to end police violence, including use-of-force standards, accountability systems, and community oversight.

Visit Campaign Zero →
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Indivisible

Grassroots movement empowering local leaders to resist attacks on democracy and make Congress work for the people.

Visit Indivisible →