Our movement understands the importance of stopping cruelty at the source by passing and enforcing humane laws at the local, state, and federal levels. That said, it is just as important to remember that we cannot achieve such goals without showing up and giving our all to the cause every election. When we elect pro-animal candidates, they become pro-animal lawmakers who champion pro-animal legislation.

This National Voter Registration Day, we are joining organizations across the country to ask you and other advocates to update your voter registration so that you can show up for animals on election day.

Every office listed on your ballot is one being sought by someone whose policy positions will have an impact on the day-to-day welfare of all animals.

Local elected officials, for example, have the power to create positive change for animals in our communities and, over time, even more broadly. That’s because municipal actions that might at first glance seem minor or inconsequential can often snowball into larger policy shifts. For example, as of 2025, 500 localities have banned the sale of puppy mill puppies in pet shops. This steady growth of communities taking action, one after another, across the country, is critical in our fight to end the puppy mill-to-pet store pipeline nationwide.

State lawmakers and officials, for their part, can bring about positive change and reforms in state policy that set an example for others to follow. Just this year, Maryland passed legislation mandating the use of scientifically robust non-animal methods instead of animals when testing chemicals, pesticides, household cleaners and food additives. Thanks to the work of state leaders voted into office by animal advocates, Maryland has distinguished itself as a national model for policymaking in support of animal-free testing.

And of course, federal lawmakers have the power to effect beneficial changes in animal protection policy for the entire country. Right now, there is legislation pending in the U.S. Congress to come down hard on puppy mills, increase enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act, increase the use of nonanimal test methods and retire animals from research, protect America’s iconic wild- and free-roaming equines, and much more.

In a number of states, it’s not just candidates on the ballot who can set the stage for change. It’s the voters who can directly determine laws at their polling places thanks to the power of ballot measures.

For decades, ballot measures have been a great tool for the animal protection movement. From cracking down on cockfighting to ending greyhound racing to improving standards of care for farm animals, we have seen the power of the popular vote in the states where the ballot and referendum option is intact.

Now, however, there is an existential threat to this vital tool in one of our most important fights to build a better, more humane world.

Ever since California voters by a substantial majority passed California’s Proposition 12 into law in 2018, the National Pork Producers Council and its allies have launched outrageous attacks on basic animal welfare standards enacted in California and other states by millions of Americans. The latest attempt is the Save Our Bacon Act, which is included in the current House Farm Bill text. If passed, this reckless and overreaching measure could eviscerate state laws concerning the extreme confinement of egg-laying hens, veal calves, and breeding pigs – many of which were passed via ballot measure.

The Save Our Bacon Act also puts at risk laws dealing with cruel puppy mills, the slaughter of horses, and wildlife trafficking, and promises to interfere with how states set standards for disease and quarantine control, toxic materials, and other concerns.

Your vote matters. If it didn’t, we wouldn’t be seeing those who exploit animals for profit attacking our work in the courts, in city council hearings, in state houses and in the halls of Congress. When we show up to vote for pro-animal policies and pro-animal candidates, and when we are steadfast in our defense of our gains, we see real progress.

This is why it’s so critical that we exercise our right to vote on behalf of animals who can’t.

But you cannot vote if you aren't registered. We encourage you to review and update your registration. If you have moved recently, haven’t voted in a while, changed your name, or are just turning 18, you may not be ready to vote. Or if you simply want to confirm you are set to vote on election day, it's smart to double-check your registration. And the good news is that you can address any necessary changes today, to ensure that you can cast your humane vote in upcoming elections.

Please today, or as soon as you can, register to vote or check your status. Find your polling place and make a plan to vote. If you plan to vote by mail, request your absentee ballot. Check Humane World Action Fund’s endorsements regularly to inform your pro-animal ballot. Share these resources and steps with your family, friends, and community. And please, contact your representatives and urge them to oppose a final version of the Farm Bill if it contains the Save Our Bacon Act. Every vote and every voice matters for animals.

This National Voter Registration Day, take time to make sure you are using every tool as a humane advocate. Let’s mobilize, act, and vote for a more humane world. When we vote, we make a difference for animals.