Democracy is decided at the state and local level.
81% win rate in
targeted races
$9.5M deployed with
partners in 2025
10,000+ election jurisdictions
actively monitored
The most consequential decisions about our elections are not made on cable news or in Washington. They are made by secretaries of state, county boards, clerks, city councils, and judges — often far from public view. When elections are close, these officials decide how ballots are cast, counted, certified, and challenged. Their decisions shape turnout, legitimacy, and outcomes long before — and long after — Election Day.
SLEA exists to make sure those decisions are made in defense of democratic rule of law.
Work in the races that matter most
Three programs. One theory of change.
Each SLEA program addresses a different pressure point in the democratic system — from election administration to congressional control to the courts that decide disputes.
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The groundwork for the next presidential election is being laid right now — in local and state races that receive little attention and even less investment. We identify and support the officials who will oversee election administration in 2028, ensuring the process is protected before it is tested.
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When control of Congress hinges on a few seats, election administration becomes a front-line political issue. We pair competitive House districts with the local officials and judges who shape turnout, certification, and post-election disputes — and build campaigns to win at every level of the ballot.
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As election challenges increasingly land in state courts, judicial races have become decisive battlegrounds for democracy. We invest in underfunded judicial elections in swing states to ensure that courts remain a backstop for voting rights and democratic legitimacy through 2030 and beyond.
“Locally elected officials and their offices are on the frontlines of American democracy, guaranteeing fair access to voting and making sure every vote counts. Protecting democracy means standing up for the people and safeguards closest to the voters, and that’s why the work of the State and Local Election Alliance is so essential. “
— Eric Genrich, Mayor of Green Bay
“These are the most important races you've never heard of — the races that will actually save our democracy.”
— Kim Rogers, State and Local Election Alliance President
“The strength of American democracy depends on the officials who run elections — often far from the spotlight. It’s about making sure ballots are counted accurately. SLEA understands this.”
— Cisco Aguilar, Nevada Secretary of State