Author: Kiara Green

What Rights Are at Stake in the Supreme Court’s 2026-27 Term?

Posted on by Kiara Green

The US Supreme Court reconvened on October 5 for its 2026-27 term which concludes in June of 2027. Cases involving the rights of immigrants, rules governing elections, LGBTQIA rights, and more, stand at the forefront this term. The Court’s decisions could have significant consequences for how federal and state laws protect individual rights.

The Court begins this term with a 6–3 conservative majority. Three of the nine justices, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, were nominated by President Donald Trump. Recent decisions, including the overturning of Dobbs and rulings affecting the enforcement of the Voting Rights Act, have already reshaped the legal landscape. This term, the justices will consider additional disputes over voting regulations and the rights of young people.

Among these cases is Republican National Committee v. Mi Familia Vota, which is scheduled to be heard on December 8. The Court will decide whether Arizona can require proof of citizenship to register to vote and if the National Voter Registration Act prohibits Arizona from canceling the registrations of non-citizens within 90 days of a federal election. 

Despite the lack of evidence of noncitizen voting, concerns about voter eligibility have led to policies that can create additional hurdles for eligible voters in Arizona, especially indigenous people. Arizona is home to one of the largest Indigenous reservations in the US, but was one of the last states to allow Indigenous people to vote. 

Indigenous votes play a vital role in deciding the outcome of state and federal elections. In 2020, Indigenous voters from the Hopi and Navajo reservation cast nearly 60,000 votes. 

The Supreme Court’s decision could affect how Arizona and other states administer voter registration and verify citizenship. It will also determine how federal law limits states’ authority to change voter registration records close to an election.

The Court will also hear International Partners for Ethical Care, Inc. v. Ferguson on December 7. The Administration has vilified the queer community spewing anti-trans and homophobic rhetoric in the name of religious freedom. The decision of this case will impact the livelihood of queer adolescents that struggle with their gender identity. 

The case is challenging a Washington State law on whether runaway minors can seek access to gender-affirming care without parental permission. Ending gender-affirming care has been a top priority for the Trump administration pushing for hospitals to discriminate against patients based on gender orientation and identity. This pressure has led at least six hospitals to agree to refuse gender-affirming hormones and surgery for transgender young people and agreed to make payments to the federal government.

As the term continues, the Court’s decisions will shape how federal protections and state laws apply to voting access, family rights and LGBTQIA+ communities. Oral arguments will offer insight into the justices’ questions, but final rulings are expected later in the term.

The Supreme Court’s work affects people across the country, often in ways that reach beyond the specific parties involved in a case. As the midterm elections approach on November 3, make a plan to vote, bring friends, spread the word. For nonpartisan voter registration information, election dates and voting resources, visit Vote411.org/feminist.

Beyond Indigenous Peoples Day: The Fight to Protect Indigenous Communities

Posted on by Kiara Green

The second Monday in October is federally recognized as Christopher Columbus Day, commemorating the arrival of colonizer Christopher Columbus to the Americas. It’s undeniable that Indigenous communities lived in America long before Columbus docked his ship. Why, then, is he celebrated as the man who “discovered” America? 

For years, public debate has challenged this Eurocentric narrative. In response, several states have recognised the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day. The day celebrates the resilience and the vibrant cultures of Indigenous communities in America. 

Despite the lack of federal recognition, Indigenous Peoples Day continues to be celebrated while bringing attention to issues that Indigenous communities face. The day has been used to advocate for the removal of Columbus memorials, the returning of Indigenous lands, and awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).

The Trump administration has rejected this broader recognition. In 2025, Trump declared he was “bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes,” reinforcing the federal emphasis on celebrating Columbus rather than recognizing Indigenous peoples.   

Meanwhile, proposed federal funding cuts of $2.3 billion from the administration continue to impact Tribal programs especially violence related programs and services that support survivors. These reductions could undermine essential services, including programs that address violence and support survivors.

The consequences are especially serious given the rates of violence facing Indigenous communities. On September 15, the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal  Government Surveillance held a hearing titled “Missing and Murdered Indigenous People: Strengthening Public Safety in Tribal Communities.” Lawmakers and witnesses discussed how the federal government can help ensure the safety of Indigenous communities as they face some of the highest homicide and missing persons rates in the country.

According to the CDC, homicide was the fourth leading cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Natives men and sixth-leading cause for women ages one to 44 in 2023. Tribal communities rely on violence prevention programs and other services to address these disparities. Funding cuts threaten their ability to sustain this work.

During the September hearing, witnesses urged members to increase the funding for tribal communities to sustain these instrumental programs. Trent Shores, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma, stressed that “Resources need to reach the people and stay there.” Myron Lizer, Former Vice President of Navajo Nation, similarly warned that “we have built programs but not continuous systems,” highlighting the gap between establishing initiatives and providing the sustained resources communities need. 

Legislation like Savanna’s Act and the Not Invisible Act have started to address missing and murdered Native Americans by strengthening relations between federal and tribal law enforcement. However, significant gaps remain in preventing violence, investigating cases and supporting survivors. 

As Indigenous communities continue to face high levels of homicide and missing person rates, Congress must continue to act and pass the Trace Act for a concise database. Honoring Indigenous resilience goes beyond annual recognition but a continued effort to guarantee sustained resources and legislative action that protect these communities from ongoing violence and funding cuts.

2026 Midterm Elections: A Guide to Voting and Making an Informed Choice

Posted on by Kiara Green

With Election Day less than 40 days away, voters across the country are preparing to cast ballots in the 2026 midterm elections. On November 3, voters will decide congressional, state, and local races, and ballot measures in states across the country. 

With so many races and issues on the same ballot, it is crucial that citizens are making informed decisions when they cast their ballot. Voters may encounter campaign advertisements, social media posts, news coverage, and information from candidates themselves, making it difficult to find a clear overview of where candidates stand on the issues. 

One resource that can help is guides.vote, a non-partisan voter guide that provides information about candidates and their stances on a range of issues. 

What is guides.vote?

Guides.vote produces nonpartisan voter guides with the help of experienced editors, researchers, and veteran journalists. The guides provide information about candidates’ positions on issues and are designed to help voters compare candidates before casting their ballots. 

These guides are available digitally and in print and are offered in both English or Spanish. Guides.vote currently includes 2026 election information for races in states across the country. 

The organization includes candidates who are polling at 15% or more in the races covered by its guides. Its 2026 guides address issues including abortion, climate change, criminal justice, education, health care, immigration, labor, LGBTQ+ rights, taxes, gun laws, and voting rules.

Rather than telling voters how to vote, the guides provide information that voters can use to make their own decisions.  

Start by Checking your Voter Registration

Before researching candidates, make sure you are registered to vote at your current address. 

Voter registration deadlines vary by state. Some states allow eligible voters to register in person and cast your ballot during early voting or on Election Day. Ballotpedia maintains a state-by-state list of registration deadlines. 

Voters should also check that their registration is active and that their address and other information are up to date.

Find Out What Is on Your Ballot

Casting an informed ballot is built on knowing what’s on the ballot. 

Depending on where you live, your ballot may include candidates for the US House and Senate, governor, state legislature, judges, and local offices. It may also include ballot measures. Ballot measures are questions that voters get to decide on often about alterations to laws, policies, taxes, and constitutional amendments. The wording of ballot measures can be deceiving so understanding them before walking to the polls is important. 

Sample ballots are often available through state and local election offices. Reviewing your sample ballot before voting can help you understand which races and measures you will be deciding.

Research the candidates

This is where resources such as guides.vote can be particularly useful. 

Voters can use the guides to learn where candidates stand on issues and compare their positions before Election Day. Because state and local elections can have a direct impact on people’s daily lives, voters should look beyond federal races when researching their ballot. 

For local elections and additional voting information, voters can also visit vote411.org/feminist. 

Make a Plan to Vote

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, but that is the last day to vote for many states. Early voting and mail voting options vary by state—all of which accommodate obstacles that may prevent people from casting their ballot.

Check your state’s election website for information about early voting locations, mail-in voting, polling places, voter ID requirements, and election deadlines. 

Once you know your options, make a plan. Decide when and how you will vote, find your polling location if you are voting in person, and make sure you know what identification you may need. 

Participating in elections gives voters a voice in the decisions that shape their communities. With control of the House and Senate at stake this November, voters will have the opportunity to shape the direction of federal policy, while state and local elections will determine leadership and policies closer to home. Check your registration, research your ballot, make a voting plan, and be ready and empowered to vote!

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