I often find myself imploring the pro-democracy community to take action — to unite around an idea, a lawsuit or a strategy to protect free and fair elections. But late at night, when it is quiet and my mind wanders, I find myself asking questions about this community.

Who is in it? How does it communicate? What can it realistically do in the face of a federal government and a Republican Party hell-bent on undermining democracy?

There is no simple answer to these questions. There are large civil society organizations doing important pro-democracy work. There are elected leaders who speak eloquently on the topic, raise awareness, and — in the best cases — enact pro-democracy legislation.

But if I am honest, none of these spaces are what community means to me.

I grew up in a tight-knit Jewish community — first on Long Island and then in Rockland County, New York. I went to a small liberal arts college in upstate New York, where everyone knew each other. In politics and law, I have worked side by side with candidates, staff and lawyers through the biggest victories and the most devastating defeats.

Community, to me, has always been more personal than institutional. So, when I am awake at night, plotting out the next case or argument, that personal sense of community is what I'm thinking of.

I founded Democracy Docket in 2020 with that idea of community in mind. It literally started with my email list of friends and colleagues — my community — who shared my interest in fighting for democracy and free and fair elections.

In the last six years, Democracy Docket has expanded beyond my wildest expectations. It has become a website visited by millions around the world. It has newsletters read by hundreds of thousands every single day. Its YouTube channel has more than 700,000 subscribers. Its various social media accounts reach millions more.

If you had asked me in 2020, I might have predicted some of what Democracy Docket is today. I always knew we needed deep reporting and sharp analysis. I had an inkling that video would be critical to growing our audience. I knew it would be an independent media company — unburdened by corporate interests or outside investors.

But as it has grown, I have worried that its role in building community hasn't always kept pace. That’s why Democracy Docket recently launched a subreddit, where you can ask questions, chat with other democracy defenders, or learn more through the conversations happening on the platform. You can find me — along with Democracy Docket journalists and staff — answering questions and participating in discussions there.

And as always, you can find us on YouTube. We continue to post long-form and short-form videos to explain the attacks on free and fair elections — and to celebrate our wins. I love reading the comments on our YouTube videos and seeing familiar names pop up across threads and comment sections.

Our premium members’ section allows members to post comments on premium articles, reply to each other and ask questions. Our members-only events invite members to connect in real time and share ways to get involved. We’re working on a new feature to make resource-sharing even easier (more on that soon).

We recently asked all of our subscribers to register their accounts. This will allow us to build and strengthen the Democracy Docket community. We also created a referral program, giving members the power to invite friends and family into the fight. With these new and exciting features, we are creating new pathways for you to defend democracy with your community.

This kind of connection isn't just nice to have — it's exactly what Donald Trump is trying to tear apart. Trump knows how important hate and division are to the MAGA movement. The more fractured our society is, the easier it is for him to retain and hold power. It's a tactic he has learned from dictators throughout history, and one he has weaponized since he first stepped onto the political scene.

That's why this network of ours is so important — and why we must continue to grow, fuel and strengthen it.

When you reach out to me, I'm empowered and encouraged to keep fighting. When you speak to each other on social media or online, you're reminded that you are not alone. When you meet up at marches, joining together arm in arm, you show Trump just how powerful and united we are in the fight against his movement.

As we approach the midterm elections, our community is more important than ever. Between now and November, our focus must be on broadening this network and convincing our friends and family to join the fight. There is strength in numbers.

By joining the Democracy Docket community, you get access to voting news that the legacy media isn't covering. You will learn more about the elections happening in your state, the rule changes that may affect you, and the battles the Republican Party is waging to take away your vote.

But just as importantly, you will get access to a support system of democracy defenders who are passionate about free and fair elections — just like you.

As a Democracy Docket subscriber, you are already an important part of this fight, and I thank you for being a reader. If you can, I ask that you continue to support our work and strengthen our community by becoming a premium member. Your contribution will help us grow and reach even more people ahead of the midterm elections.

Your support helps me continue this fight every day. Your encouragement powers our mission forward. Your notes, signs, passion, and energy remind me what's most important.

And when we win, it will be thanks to you.