The Missing Story: How Philanthropy is Working to Boost Voter Turnout

As the United States approaches another critical election season, it's astonishing that the narrative around voting and voter suppression has been dominated by one figure – Donald Trump. While the media has focused on his claims of widespread voter fraud and efforts to erode trust in the electoral process, a crucial story has gone untold: the significant role philanthropy is playing in supporting get-out-the-vote initiatives.

The Langeloth Foundation and other organizations have stepped up their efforts to increase voter turnout, particularly among marginalized communities. However, this vital work remains largely unreported by mainstream media outlets, including The New York Times. As a result, the public remains unaware of the crucial role philanthropy is playing in reversing the tide of voter apathy and suppression.

One notable example is Stacey Abrams' Southern Economic Advancement Project, which has been working tirelessly to protect voting rights in Georgia and elsewhere in the South. As founder of Fair Fight, Abrams has been a vocal advocate for electoral reform and a champion of voter empowerment. Her efforts are gaining momentum, but the media's silence on these issues leaves them largely unknown to the public.

Another crucial player is March for Our Lives co-founder David Hogg, who believes that young people can have a significant impact on this year's election if they turn out in large numbers. His organization has been working diligently to mobilize youth voters and increase voter registration among this critical demographic.

Yet, despite these efforts, the media continues to focus on Trump's baseless attacks on voting integrity rather than exploring the real problems of voter apathy and suppression. The New York Times' recent front-page story on Trump's efforts to erode trust in the electoral process only serves to reinforce his narrative, perpetuating a cycle of misinformation that undermines public confidence in the democratic process.

As George Lakoff's book Don't Think of an Elephant demonstrates, when we focus on what not to think about, we inadvertently put it top of mind and create a hurdle to overcome. By repeating Trump's frame without countering it with robust reporting, The New York Times and other media outlets are unwittingly reinforcing his narrative.

It's time for the media to shift its focus away from Trump's antics and towards the real story: the philanthropic efforts aimed at increasing voter turnout and protecting voting rights. By telling this story, we can create a more informed public that is better equipped to make their voices heard in the democratic process.

Ultimately, the New York Times' failure to report on these critical issues has allowed Trump to control the narrative, cementing doubt in the public's mind about the integrity of our electoral system. It's time for the paper to take ownership of this frame and begin telling a more accurate story – one that highlights the heroism of those working to safeguard democracy and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

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