A Democracy Without Broadband

Access to affordable broadband is crucial for a functioning 21st century democracy. As technology advances, many of our basic democratic values depend on robust connectivity. Broadband enhances civic engagement, participation in the democratic process, and a responsive government. Yet, millions in our country lack access to affordable, high-speed broadband and continue to face significant barriers to get online. Affordability remains the most significant barrier to broadband adoption while those on the wrong side of the digital divide are disproportionately low-income, people of color, seniors, people with disabilities, and other marginalized communities. Without broadband, these communities live in a democracy where their voices go unheard and their needs are unmet. 

To have your voice count, you must be counted. But without a broadband connection that has become increasingly difficult. With the 2020 Census moving online for the first time, millions of people without broadband are in danger of going uncounted. While a paper option to complete the Census is still available, the transition to using digital tools signals the government’s efforts to increase internet responses and spend less resources doing outreach to get paper responses submitted. Attaining the full promise of our democracy must start with closing the digital divide to ensure that each of us has an equal voice in the future of our country.

[Yosef Getachew serves as the Media & Democracy Program Director for Common Cause].