u/BlueberryPootz

Does anyone have recommendations for progressive organizations that are actually taking legal action against the Louisiana governor's voter suppression? I was thinking about donating to Louisiana Democrats, but it looks like the party has been in major upheaval the last few years (understandable given they are ushering in a necessary change of leadership), and I am concerned that donating to the official state Democratic Party leadership will just result in the funds being absorbed into people's individual campaigns / perpetuating infighting. I really want my donation $$ to be well utilized to take direct action against this illegal suppression.

Councilmember Ken Houston has brought a ballot measure to be discussed at a Rules Committee this Thursday 5/07. The title of the ballot measure is intentionally misleading, claiming to "improve civilian oversight of OPD" when in fact it does the opposite:
https://oakland.granicusideas.com/meetings/8965-star-rules-and-legislation-committee-on-2026-05-07-10-30-am/agenda_items/69eb9d12f2b6701ceb001f02-5-26-0624-subject-proposed-ballot-measure-to

The city administration and certain city council members are trying to take over the process of appointing commissioners to the Police Commission, currently the only body conducting relatively independent oversight of the Oakland Police Department. The same council members supporting this ballot measure have tried to pressure the oversight organization to be more sympathetic to the demands of the police union, who advocate that OPD should be allowed to police themselves. OPD has never earned that kind of trust, they have only shown over the years that they are more than happy to break the law with impunity and cover each others' tracks while they do so.

Allowing this ballot measure to pass would be equivalent to letting the foxes guard the hen house. It would be a lot more difficult to ensure that the oversight body remains independent and uncorrupted. Under the guise of "streamlining" the appointing processes for the Police Commission (oversight body), as well as the processes for appointing the Inspector General and Police Chief, it gives city council members an inordinate amount of power over what is supposed to be an independent oversight body. Taking shortcuts in the name of "efficiency" does NOT make for a better oversight system! It's rolling out the red carpet to entrench corruption even deeper than it already is.

Please comment and OPPOSE this ballot measure!