The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is allocating $25 million to bolster abortion and voting rights in the upcoming midterm elections, focusing on state-level races, legislative battles, and referenda across nine states.

The organization aims to establish long-term constitutional protections for these rights, emphasizing that critical decisions will be made at the state level rather than in Washington.

Key initiatives include funding groups opposing partisan state Supreme Court elections in Montana and Kansas, protecting a 2024 abortion rights referendum in Missouri, and supporting a Virginia referendum to amend the state constitution to include abortion protections.

The ACLU is also backing pro-civil rights Supreme Court candidates in Michigan, Montana, and North Carolina, as well as Democratic secretaries of state in Nevada and Arizona.

The strategy targets a 14% electorate segment they call the 'ACLU Sway,' comprising low-propensity Democrats, Republicans, and independents who value civil liberties.

Schifeling highlighted the importance of engaging both traditional and non-traditional supporters, noting that many Republicans and libertarians still prioritize rights and democracy.

The ACLU's efforts reflect a broader push to influence voter education and candidate positions on critical issues like abortion and voting rights, despite criticism from centrist Democrats for focusing on cultural issues.The group remains committed to core civil rights, including transgender rights, and plans to continue engaging candidates on these matters.