A stark admission echoed through Democratic circles this week: for years, the party has been losing the crucial battle for voter registration. DNC Chair Ken Martin publicly acknowledged a significant disadvantage, signaling a dramatic shift in strategy ahead of pivotal elections.
The response is “When We Count,” a newly launched initiative representing the Democratic Party’s largest ever voter registration drive. This ambitious program aims to train hundreds of organizers across the nation, with the goal of adding tens of thousands of new voters to the rolls in key communities.
The urgency stems from a troubling trend. Between 2020 and 2024 alone, Democrats lost over 2.1 million registered voters, while Republicans gained 2.4 million. This disparity has already manifested in critical battleground states, most recently in North Carolina where Republicans now hold a registration advantage for the first time in history.
Martin attributes the Republican success to a focused, partisan approach to voter registration – a strategy Democrats have largely ceded to nonpartisan groups. These groups, while valuable, often lack the capacity to directly advocate for Democratic registration.
“When We Count” seeks to rectify this imbalance, demanding a unified effort from national, state, and local parties, alongside allied organizations and campaigns. It’s a call to action, recognizing that past assumptions about voter loyalty are no longer sufficient.
The initiative’s launch will begin in the western states of Arizona and Nevada, considered crucial battlegrounds. The goal isn’t simply to register voters, but to actively “earn” each registration, understanding that support from key demographics – young voters and voters of color – cannot be taken for granted.
This renewed focus on registration comes as the DNC faces a significant fundraising gap compared to the Republican National Committee. Critics point to the DNC’s financial challenges, suggesting the registration effort is a necessary response to broader organizational weaknesses.
The stakes are high, with control of the House and Senate, along with governorships in 36 states, on the line in upcoming elections. “When We Count” represents a determined effort to reverse the current trajectory and reclaim a vital advantage in the fight for the future.
