The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation recently announced nine grants totaling $1.8 million to organizations that will improve the democratic voting process and bolster participation among eligible voters in underserved communities.

The Common Cause Education Fund was granted $400,000 for its work to further educate voters on fair election processes, their rights as participants and campaign financing. Project Vote received $200,000 for its Elections Administration Program to lift restrictions preventing certain citizens from voting, while Video the Vote was awarded $100,000 for its documentary project, which aims to create greater visibility regarding actual voting processes and the barriers some participants face as they head to the polls.

Additionally, the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs, The Library of Congress Congressional Research Service, the Campaign Finance Institute, The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, the League of Women Voters Education Fund and the Advancement Project's Voter Protection Program

"Through these grants, the MacArthur Foundation is working to support organizations that protect voters' rights and promote fair election administration, which is critical to a healthy democracy," said Elspeth Revere, MacArthur's vice president for media, culture and special initiatives."