WASHINTON, DC – In exclusive interviews for the Legal AF podcast by the MediasTouch Network, host Michael Popok spoke with several Democratic AGs about how they will collectively and individually protect the right to vote and continue to defend democracy against the Trump administration’s violations of the Constitution.

“What I want Americans to know is that you have a team of AGs that has been working together well for now more than a year to protect Democracy. And we’re going to keep doing that no matter what it takes,” Arizona AG Kris Mayes said.  “That’s what I think our Founding Fathers and Mothers would want us to do is to fight like hell for this beautiful, precious, irreplaceable democracy. I really believe that they are speaking to us across the ages.”

Key highlights from part one:

• “We are prepared to fight like hell […] We’re going to get it done through the courtroom,” Minnesota AG Keith Ellison said. “But we need everybody, right? We need people to volunteer as election observers. We need people to volunteer as election judges. We need the rest of the civil rights community to file the cases. And we need to be tough.”
• “I might just point out that while we’ll sit here and talk in terms of how we are going to protect voters, that actually takes real work and coordination among all of the Democratic attorneys general, the things that you don’t see, there’s a big reason we’re here today,” Oregon AG Dan Rayfield said. “They may only use half of the things in their playbook, but we’ll be ready in that moment because we’ve done the homework, because we’ve built these relationships during this last year to be ready.”
• “Whenever there’s federal overreach, whenever there’s things that are happening that don’t align with our values or the law, we’re going to step up and fill that void and be those defenders,” Virginia AG Jay Jones said. “And, you know, I think that’s why attorneys general are really the most important positions in states right now because of what’s happening in Washington, [DC].”
• “Let’s look at 2020: There was so much litigation related to the election, in every single case, Trump lost,” Colorado AG Phil Weiser stated. “What’s important to know about federal courts is if you show up without evidence and the law is against you, you’re going to lose. So they’re bogus claims…that they have the authority to nationalize the elections. They’re not going to go anywhere in the court of law because they are lawless claims.”

Key highlights from part two:

• “We’re concerned about your voting rights, and we’re doing everything in our power to protect and defend them,” California AG Bonta said. “The fundamental right to vote is the right from which all other rights flow, and it’s fundamental to our nation, our democracy, our constitution, and it is definitely under threat.”
• “It’s important that individuals understand that elections are not a federal issue, they’re a state issue,” New York AG Tish James stated. “The United States Constitution does not speak to federal involvement in our elections. It is states and localities… We are prepared to respond and we will respond united and in coalition with one another protecting the most sacred right to vote.”
• “The fact that the courts no longer trust the Department of Justice and their attorneys, it’s a very sad statement in an indictment on DOJ as a whole,” Michigan AG Dana Nessel said. “But what those same courts recognize is that they can trust the Democratic attorneys general and our staff to go into court and to make sure that we are presenting you know the facts […] I think as a result we are succeeding but also because the administration is not afraid to flagrantly violate federal law and the constitution time and time again. I think the courts are just not having it.”
• “When people stand up to this administration that’s when we see progress,” Wisconsin AG Josh Kaul said. “So make your voice heard. Make sure you are reaching out to your members of Congress, your senator, and ultimately make sure to get to the ballot box. We are going to fight for the interest of this country in court, and the more of us who stand up, the sooner we’re going to turn this around.”

Key highlights from part three:

• “We accomplish great things when we join forces and we have joined forces on multiple occasions when it comes to the right to vote and we will continue to do so,” Delaware AG Kathy Jennings stated. “We protect our voting files assiduously and we will continue to do it. The right to vote is the most important right that any of us have. All other rights flow from the right to vote.”
• “What I would say, once in a generation Americans are called upon, I believe once in a generation to stand up for our country, to stand up for our constitution,” Arizona AG Mayes said. “And so I think it’s about what I call the three Cs: Crowds, courage, and the courts. We got the courts covered. Anybody can go, you know, be a part of a crowd, protest, continue to do that. Have courage between now and November and vote. Get out there and vote. Those are the most important things.”
• “I want to echo; you got to get out. You need to find candidates that support the work of keeping our democracy alive,” Maine AG Aaron Frey said. “Support them with their time and money and resources. And then you do have to vote because every name on the ballot has behind it justices, nominees, legislation. So, you really have to do that. And by the way, please remember we’re going to be right there supporting your efforts as best we can as attorneys general to make sure that you continue to enjoy what it is that our Constitution allows, which is civic engagement and voting.”
• “I would say pay a lot less attention to Washington DC and a lot more attention to your states,” (26:42) Washington AG Nick Brown said. “Protesting and having your voice be heard at a local level I think is so important in this moment because the laws that are going to protect people certainly not happening from Congress…But your state governments have so much ability to shape the future of our democracy and the things that we wake up caring about every morning. And that’s where I want people to dedicate their attention.”

###