Project 2026

In addition to the democratic agenda advanced by ActBlue and its efforts to regain the U.S. House and Senate through special and midterm elections in 2026, the Civic Congress affirms that Project 2026 shall further encompass the strengthening and expansion of direct democracy laws and rights nationwide. Project 2026 is a voluntary, citizen-led initiative designed to exercise and uphold the rights of direct democracy as legally established within the twenty-six states and the District of Columbia that provide initiative, referendum, or veto referendum processes. Furthermore, it seeks—within the bounds of federal, state, territorial, and tribal law—to advocate for the lawful expansion of direct democracy across all fifty states, U.S. territories, and sovereign Tribal Nations. All Civic Congress activities are conducted as protected civic expression and educational participation, consistent with the constitutions and statutes governing citizen-led initiatives, referenda, and other lawful means of public engagement.

Direct Democracy Participation in the United States

No individual is required to participate in the Civic Congress or The Continental Congress Project, LLC to exercise their direct democracy rights. There are no special certifications, tests, or courses needed to participate in direct democracy; the right to act is tied solely to standard voter eligibility rules established by state and local law.

Voter Eligibility:

Citizenship and basic eligibility criteria—such as being a U.S. citizen, meeting state residency requirements, being at least 18 years old by Election Day, and registering to vote (with North Dakota as the exception)—are sufficient to participate in direct democracy. There is no separate “voter certification” process for ballot initiatives, referendums, or other citizen-led measures.

Direct Democracy Processes:

States with initiatives or referendums set legal rules for placing measures on the ballot, which typically include:

Signature requirements: Collecting a legally specified number of signatures from registered voters.
Geographic distribution: Some states require signatures from multiple counties or districts to ensure statewide support.

Official Certification:

Certification in elections is an administrative function performed by state and local election officials to verify vote counts; it is not a requirement for individual voters.

Citizen vs. Delegate:

Citizens participating in direct democracy act for themselves, not as representatives of others. The term “delegate” applies to representative democracy, where elected individuals act on behalf of constituents. In direct democracy:

Every eligible citizen has equal voting weight.
Citizens vote directly on laws or policies.
There are no delegates; influence comes from the ability to persuade other voters.

Direct Democracy:

Participant’s Role; Acts as their own decision-maker instead of votes for representatives to act on their behalf

Decision-Making; Votes directly on laws, initiatives, or referendums instead of elected officials making policy decisions

Delegate Status; No official delegates - all citizens have equal power instead of representatives serving as delegates for their constituents

Practical Implementation:

Direct democracy in the U.S. is layered on the representative system, forming a semi-direct democracy. At the state and local levels, eligible citizens can propose, support, or vote on initiatives and referenda by gathering signatures or campaigning, without any special credentials or formal delegate status. Participation is voluntary, personal, and legally grounded in citizen rights, not organizational affiliation.