Just three years ago, HSLF played a critical role in the passage of California’s Proposition 12, which ushered in the strongest farm animal protection law in the world.

It’s something we may take for granted, sometimes, but every year is an election year, and one thing animal advocates shouldn’t forget is that every election has profound implications for animals and for the fortunes of the animal welfare movement. Yesterday provided yet another reminder of this, as voters cast their ballots for statewide offices in New Jersey and Virginia, special elections to fill vacancies in the U.S. Congress, and thousands of municipal offices across the nation.

Our mission is to end suffering for all animals, most directly by boosting the political power of the humane movement in Washington, DC and in our states. This is just one of the reasons we encourage supporters to cast a ballot in every election. Perhaps because we take a range of concerns into the voting booth, we don’t always appreciate the point, but for animals, our election of the right candidates can be a make-or-break decision.

By Sara Amundson and Kitty Block

With voting underway in the California recall election, the Humane Society Legislative Fund and animal advocates throughout California are standing fast in opposition to efforts to recall Governor Newsom. As California’s Governor, Newsom has a long track record of supporting the advancement of animal welfare—and has earned the support of humane-minded individuals.

By Brad Pyle

A few weeks ago, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams won the New York City Democratic Mayoral primary race. With an easy path to victory in the general election, and as the top official in America’s most populous city, Adams will be one of the most influential politicians in America. As it happens, New York is home to many animal protection advocates and has long been at the forefront of the animal protection movement. So has Adams, and he has a record to prove it—one that animal protection advocates around the country can celebrate.

Every year is an election year—and every election has profound implications for the animal protection movement. That’s why our team at the Humane Society Legislative Fund meticulously evaluates every candidate before we announce an endorsement.

By Brad Pyle