Coalition for Open Democracy

About Open Democracy

The Coalition for Open Democracy is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1997 by a group of campaign finance reform advocates, including the legendary Doris "Granny D" Haddock, who famously walked across the country at age 90 to call for comprehensive campaign finance reform.

Our mission is political equality for all through an open, accountable, and trusted government free from the corruption of big-money politics. We work to increase civic participation and strengthen democracy in New Hampshire and beyond.

Our core issue areas include:

• Protecting and expanding voting rights so every eligible voter can participate in our democracy.
• Campaign finance reform to reduce the influence of special interests and big money in politics.
• Fair redistricting to ensure electoral maps reflect communities rather than political advantage.

Together, these efforts advance our vision of an open, accountable, and trusted government that serves the people.

Our Work

Voting Rights & Election Access

Open Democracy is a leading advocate for voting rights in New Hampshire and a proud coalition member of the New Hampshire Campaign for Voting Rights, where we serve as a core partner in statewide Election Protection and Nonpartisan Poll Observer efforts. Through public education, coalition building, advocacy, and voter assistance, we work to ensure every eligible Granite Stater can participate in our democracy.

Open Democracy was a plaintiff in the successful challenge to HB 1569, helping restore the qualified voter affidavit and remove unnecessary barriers to voter registration for eligible voters across New Hampshire.

High School Voter Registration Program

In partnership with The Civics Center, Open Democracy empowers students to organize voter registration drives at their own high schools using our custom toolkit, building sustainable civic engagement programs led by young people themselves.

In a state that remains one of only two without third-party voter registration, the program has seen remarkable success. We helped increase 18-year-old voter registration in New Hampshire from just 9% in early 2024 to 63.7% by November 2024. After hosting a dozen drives in 2023, we have supported more than 30 voter registration events since June 2024, resulting in over 300 new voter registrations and inspiring students to take initiative in strengthening democracy within their own communities.

Age Strong Voting

Our Age Strong Voting program helps seniors and other vulnerable Granite Staters navigate New Hampshire's changing absentee voting procedures. Through a statewide network of volunteer notaries, we assist voters who may otherwise face barriers to casting their ballot.

The dedication of our volunteers has been extraordinary—including one volunteer in Keene who biked across town to notarize absentee ballot applications for local voters. By providing practical assistance and personalized support, Age Strong Voting helps ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate.

Voter & Civic Education

Education is at the heart of everything we do. Open Democracy provides free, nonpartisan voter education through in-person and Zoom presentations for community organizations, civic groups, schools, and political committees; informational tabling events across the state; easy-to-understand voter guides; and timely educational social media content that helps Granite Staters understand elections and voting laws.

We also foster ongoing civic learning through the Open Democracy Book Club, a community of more than 900 members who come together to discuss democracy, civic participation, and accountable government.

Whether through workshops, online trainings, educational resources, or one-on-one voter assistance, Open Democracy is committed to giving Granite Staters the knowledge and tools they need to participate fully in our democracy.