PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4, 2024

CONTACT
Anneshia Hardy

media@alvalues.org

Legal Challenge Launched Against Alabama’s SB 1, Law Penalizing Voter Assistance Efforts

Montgomery, AL – In a united stand against voter suppression, a coalition of civil rights, voting rights, and disability rights organizations has filed a lawsuit challenging Alabama’s Senate Bill 1 (SB 1). The law, set to take effect on October 1, 2024, ahead of the November general elections, imposes severe restrictions on nonpartisan civic engagement efforts, criminalizing most forms of assistance in applying for absentee ballots.

The Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Greater Birmingham Ministries, League of Women Voters of Alabama, and the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, represented by Campaign Legal Center, Legal Defense Fund, Southern Poverty Law Center, the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, and Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, are the plaintiffs in this lawsuit. They are suing Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, Alabama’s 42 District Attorneys, and Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen, aiming to block the enforcement of SB 1.

Gov. Kay Ivey signed SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, on March 20.

The lawsuit challenges SB 1 as violating the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution, the Voting Rights Act, and the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

From the moment SB 1 was introduced, civic and grassroots organizations, along with the wider community, have been vocal in their opposition, making their presence felt at the Alabama State House to voice their concerns.

Bernard Simelton, President of the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, a lead plaintiff in the case, expressed his frustration with the state’s contradictory actions, “The State of Alabama is engaging in double talk, claiming to make voting easier while erecting barriers for our most vulnerable communities. We saw a record number of absentee ballots cast during the 2020 election when barriers were removed. People will vote absentee if we eliminate obstacles.”

Since the 2013 Shelby v. Holder Supreme Court decision, there has been a significant uptick in anti-voting legislation introduced across the country. This ruling, which weakened key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, has emboldened states to enact laws that restrict access to the ballot, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities.

Rhayne Wagner, Senior Policy Manager at Black Voters Matter Fund, reflects on the ongoing struggle for voting rights and the significance of this lawsuit in the broader historical context, “Our past has always informed our present in the fight for voting rights. Black people have always had to have our voting rights legislated in court. Today is no different. We will fight back against these coordinated attacks on our voting rights.”

Rodreshia Russaw, Executive Director of The Ordinary People Society (TOPS), highlighted the law’s impact on disenfranchised communities, “SB1’s cruel restrictions aim to harm eligible voters in disenfranchised communities through voter intimidation tactics. This lawsuit is a shameful waste of tax dollars and wreaks havoc on the upcoming elections.”

The severity of the penalties prescribed by SB 1 is a point of contention, with critics arguing that the bill assigns disproportionate consequences for actions related to assisting voters with absentee ballots. This overreach has raised concerns about the potential chilling effect on civic engagement and the accessibility of the voting process.

Alison Mollman, Legal Director at the ACLU of Alabama, criticized the severity of the law’s penalties, “SB1 equates assisting someone with their absentee ballot application with offenses like manslaughter and statutory rape by making it a Class B felony. This law is unconstitutional, and we stand with our clients to protect their constitutional rights.”

As the general elections approach, the implications of SB 1 become increasingly concerning.

Deanna Fowler, Interim Director of Alabama Forward, reaffirmed the commitment of the statewide civic engagement network, “Alabama Forward and its member organizations are dedicated to ensuring that Alabamians have adequate access to the ballot. While this fight continues in the court, we will continue our collective efforts to empower every Alabamian to engage in the democratic process.”

Alabamians are encouraged to stay connected and informed around important election deadlines which can be located on the Alabama Votes website. Also report any issues they may have at the polls on election day by calling:

• 866-OUR-VOTE (English, administered by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law),

• 888-VE-Y-VOTA (Spanish, administered by the NALEO Educational Fund),

• 888-API-VOTE (Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Tagalog, administered by APIAVote & AAJC),

• 844-YALLA-US (Arabic, 844-925-52872) Arabic language hotline (administered by Arab American Institute)

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Alabama Values is a grassroots communications organization working to raise awareness and increase engagement around community issues in Alabama. Alabama Values works directly with grassroots civic organizations advocating to build power and break down barriers to civic participation for communities across the state.

Despite claims from Secretary of State Wes Allen that his office did not mail the cards and that the voter list maintained by his office was accurate, the SPLC insists that an immediate audit and public accounting are necessary to ascertain the scope of the problem.

Bradley Heard, deputy legal director for democracy and voting rights at the SPLC, stated, “This is more than a misstep. Providing erroneous information to thousands of voters on the eve of a hotly contested primary election could very well impact the turnout and the results of the election, for both Republicans and Democrats.”

The SPLC has provided evidence of a voter card sent to the home of the center’s co-founder, Joe Levin, which incorrectly lists him as registered to vote in the 7th congressional district. Montgomery Probate Judge J.C. Love confirmed that the card was sent by the county registrar’s office, which operates independently of the probate office.

The SPLC’s investigation revealed that approximately 5,604 voters were mislabeled in the voter file as being in the 7th Congressional District, instead of the newly formed 2nd District. Of those voters, 4,513 are Black.

The SPLC is calling for transparency and accountability from Secretary Wes Allen’s office to ensure the integrity of the voter list and the fairness of the upcoming election. The organization remains committed to protecting the rights of voters and upholding the principles of democracy in Alabama.

Khadidah Stone Campaign Strategist, speaks on the historic redistricting case Allen v Milligan from AV/AVP TV on Vimeo.

In a historic decision on Thursday, the Supreme Court of the United States reaffirmed the vital importance of protecting the democratic rights of all Americans by upholding Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. This ruling serves as a resounding victory for the people, ensuring that every citizen’s voice will continue to be heard and respected in our democracy.

The decision came as part of the Allen v. Milligan case in which plaintiffs, including Alabama Forward Executive Director Evan Milligan and Alabama Forward Chief Field and Campaign Strategist Khadidah Stone joined with Shalela Dowdy, Letetia Jackson, Greater Birmingham Ministries and the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP to argue that Alabama’s Congressional maps violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

The plaintiffs were represented by Legal Defense Fund (LDF), American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Alabama, Hogan Lovells LLP, and Wiggins, Childs, Pantazis, Fisher & Goldfarb.

When the state legislature drew new maps in November 2021, they failed to create a second majority-minority district despite Alabama having a 27 percent Black voting age population.

SCOTUS heard oral arguments in the case on October 4, 2022.

In a surprising 5-4 ruling, SCOTUS said that Alabama’s legislature must redraw the state’s Congressional maps and that race can be used as a factor in redistricting to ensure that people of color have equal voting power. The 2020 Census showed that Alabama’s population is growing more diverse and less white, which means that elected officials should be reflective.

“Today, we celebrate this victory for BIPOC communities and pro-democracy advocates across the country. We are grateful that the Supreme Court upheld what we knew to be true: that everyone deserves to have their vote matter and their voice heard. Today is a win for democracy and freedom not just in Alabama but across the United States,” Milligan said. “This ruling proves that politicians cannot weaken our community representation by distorting congressional lines, particularly in Alabama and Louisiana. The voters will be heard, and this ruling will help secure our futures.

Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a cornerstone of civil rights legislation. The Act empowers individuals to challenge discriminatory voting practices and provides essential safeguards to protect against the erosion of voting rights.

The decision comes a few weeks shy of the 10th anniversary of the Shelby v. Holder decision which rendered Section 5 of the VRA inoperable and left Section 2 as the primary way of litigating redistricting cases.

By upholding Section 2, the Supreme Court has ensured that marginalized communities will have the opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. This decision reinforces the principle that the strength of our democracy lies in its inclusivity and diversity, and that every citizen’s voice deserves to be heard, respected, and counted.

“Today, we rejoice in the Supreme Court’s ruling in Allen v. Milligan, siding with freedom and fair democratic processes in our country. Through the organizing and advocacy efforts of thousands across the country, the Supreme Court has acknowledged the strength of the Voting Rights Act to keep the voices of millions of BIPOC people heard,” said Stone. “This ruling holds our elected officials accountable for their politically motivated actions, and voting rights will be protected in Alabama and across the country because of it. We will not allow anti-democratic attempts to continue to overrule fair representation and continued oppression of Black and Brown people. As we look to what’s to come, we remain focused on the fight ahead in building people power and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and our needs are met. The people will continue to have the final say. We will continue to organize for just and equal access to the ballot box for all — our democracy depends on it, for generations to come.”

This ruling reinforces the critical role of the Voting Rights Act in protecting democratic processes from discrimination and disenfranchisement.

“Today’s ruling of the Supreme Court was a significant win for Black voters in Alabama. For years, voters have suffered through severe gerrymandering – and by correcting the congressional lines, Black Alabamians will no longer feel silenced,” said Kynesha Brown, AF board chair. “Our communities can get the equitable funding and support we deserve to help with quality of life matters such as healthcare and education.”

As Americans celebrate this landmark decision, it’s important to remain vigilant in defending voting rights and combating any attempts to undermine the fabric of our democracy. Civic engagement is as important today as it was during the Civil Rights movement.

“However, we recognize that this fight is far from over. Our Constitution does not explicitly establish the right of voting-age citizens to vote and have their ballots counted – this must change. In order for our traditions of freedom and democracy to continue serving the people, we must have explicitly defined voting rights incorporated into our constitutions and policies at all levels,” Milligan said. “Achieving these goals will require deep community work that will take decades. This movement will ensure the survival of our communities, the judiciary involved in yielding today’s opinion and our country at large. Moving forward, we will continue organizing to ensure that all states draw accurately representative maps that include the say of Black and Brown communities. To Alabamians: We promise to continue mobilizing alongside you to ensure every vote is counted and your voices heard.”

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Voter suppression tactics across the South have always been an issue, but in the last few years, state legislators across the region have ramped up their efforts to further suppress voters of color, people with disabilities and elderly folks.

Alabama Values, partnering with The Southern Leadership for Voter Engagement (SOLVE) , Spotlight PR and Groundwork Project, will bring together voting rights advocates, policy experts, grassroots organizers and litigators who deal with voting rights issues in a briefing under their Democracy Under Attack initiative in an event titled “Empower the Vote: Unmasking Voter Suppression.”

This live event is set for Monday, May 22 at 6 p.m. CST. Register at tinyurl.com/DemocracyUnderAttack2023

“By uniting voices, sharing knowledge and taking collective action, we can ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their democratic right without barriers or hindrances,” said Jordan Davis, interim networks director for voting rights at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice.

The event aims to educate and engage community members about the harmful impact of such laws on democratic participation and to galvanize support for protecting the fundamental right to vote. State legislatures have used tactics such as stricter voter ID laws, gerrymandering, reducing early voting opportunities, purging voter rolls, and closing polling places in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

The event will be moderated by former Congressman Joe Kennedy III, who is the founder of the Groundwork Project, who advocates for a more responsive and representative democracy that can deliver justice, equity, and opportunity for all.

Speakers include:

• Dillon Nettles, policy and advocacy director at ACLU-Alabama;

• Charles Taylor Jr., executive director of the Mississippi State Conference of NAACP;

• Yael Bromberg, Esq., a national leading scholar of the 26th Amendment, special counsel and strategic advisor for The Andrew Goodman Foundation and principal of Bromberg Law LLC;

• Kiana Jackson, research and coalition organizing manager at New Disabled South;

• Jamal Watkins, senior vice president of strategy and advancement for NAACP,

“We hope this event highlights the coordinated attacks being launched on voting rights. By bringing together this dynamic panel of experts we hope to emphasize the urgent need to address attacks on voting rights through the collaborative lens of community organizers, lawyers, policy advocates, and directly impacted communities,” said Anneshia Hardy, executive director of Alabama Values. “The ongoing challenges to voting rights require a multifaceted approach that integrates different perspectives and expertise. We hope that people leave the event thinking about ways to get involved in the efforts to combat attacks on voting rights. By embracing our collective power, we can work towards an inclusive and robust democratic system that upholds the principles of equality, justice, and fair representation.”

During the event, speakers will provide valuable insights into the far-reaching consequences of voter suppression legislation, will highlight the potential disenfranchisement of marginalized communities, the undermining of democratic principles and the erosion of voting rights that many fought and died to secure.

“Across the nation, we are seeing a wave of orchestrated anti-democracy efforts that threaten human rights and the rule of law,” Bromberg said. “Young voters have always offered the tenacity and clarity to right these wrongs, from the nation’s founding, through the First and Second Reconstructions, and today. The removal of youth voter obstacles, and the expansion of youth voting opportunities, is as American as apple pie, and will help provide the fortitude that this nation needs through its ebbs and flows of moral courage.”

Through thought-provoking discussions, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and current challenges surrounding voter suppression and become equipped with knowledge and resources to empower them to protect their voting rights.

“As it has been for generations, the South is on the frontlines of democracy protection today. Local organizers and leaders don’t need outsiders coming in and telling them how to respond, they need support to deepen and amplify the work they’re already doing – which is why Groundwork is so proud to be a part of Democracy Under Attack,” said Emily Kaufman, executive director of Groundwork Project.

To register for the event, visit www.tinyurl.com/DemocracyUnderAttack2023.

On the heels of a major attack on democracy in Tennessee this week and the rise in anti-democratic legislation across the South, Alabama Values, partnering with The Southern Leadership for Voter Engagement (SOLVE) Spotlight PR and Groundwork Project, has launched an initiative to combat the collective attacks on freedom and democracy happening across the South and connect community issues to people’s front door.

Attacks on democracy are not new to Alabama or the South. Just this week, two black Democratic lawmakers were expelled from the Republican-controlled Tennessee House of Representatives, while another white female lawmaker was allowed to stay after they rallied for gun control after a deadly school shooting in Nashville.

There has been an uptick in legislation including making voting less accessible, drawing district lines that violate the Voting Rights Act, passing the country’s most stringent abortion ban, allocating billions of dollars for new prisons without addressing prison reform and passing discriminatory bills against transgender children.

The Democracy Under Attack initiative will consist of in-person and virtual events, public briefings, training and workshops to educate, engage and mobilize communities around issues and solutions.

“​​It is no secret that democracy and freedom are under attack around the world, particularly in the South. It is important to recognize that democracy is not a passive endeavor,” said AV Executive Director Anneshia Hardy. “It requires active participation and engagement from all of us. The first step in protecting democracy is to educate ourselves about the issues at hand. This means staying informed about current events and being aware of the ways in which our freedoms are being threatened. We hope this initiative will create entry points for citizens to get involved in the efforts to bring the change they want to see in their communities.”

Advocacy and media organizations are joining Alabama Values to help counter these attacks on democracy.

These organizations have a long-standing history and play a critical role in supporting a wide array of fights for freedom and democracy.

The Groundwork Project, founded by former Congressman Joe Kennedy, in an effort to provide support for local community organizers in states from the Deep South to Appalachia and the Plains where grassroots work around pro-democracy have typically been written off or underfunded.

Spotlight PR, founded by Jennifer Farmer, a social justice public relations firm that works with grassroots leaders and advocates for racial and social justice. Farmer is an award-winning writer, author, trainer Her work has appeared in publications such as Thrive Global!, Blavity, Society for Nonprofits, Chronicle of Philanthropy, CNN, The Root, HuffPost, LifeHack, PR Daily, Red Letter Christians and more.

SOLVE, a network of civic and advocacy organizations working collaboratively across the south to stand against repressive voting practices and to educate the public around voting

“I fundamentally believe that collective attacks on our democracy should be countered with collective fights to organize and galvanize communities around civic engagement,” said Jordan Davis, interim networks director for voting rights at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice. “The Democracy Under Attack initiative will produce monumental benefits that will last for years to come. I am looking forward to uplifting the unsung heroes in this work and providing a space for voting rights advocates to engage in proactive defense to undemocratic practices.”

The first event under the initiative will be held April 11 at 6 p.m. The title of the event is Democracy Under Attack: As Goes The South, So Goes The Nation.

During the event, panelists will take a deep dive into attacks on voting rights, LGBTQ+ communities, Medicaid Expansion, reproductive health care, and other attacks they are seeing in their legislatures. Across the South, there are a lot of similarities in bills being introduced and passed that attack marginalized communities.

The South has been ground zero for many of the anti-democratic policies we’re battling with around the nation. Tune in for an unapologetic conversation with advocates regarding unfair practices and policies and directly-impacted communities.

Speakers will include:

• Ashley Shelton, founder, president and CEO of Louisiana’s Power Coalition for Equity and Justice

• Karuna Ramachandran, redistricting director, ProGeorgia

• Matia Powell, executive director of Civic TN;

• J. Sailor Jones, associate director of Common Cause North Carolina

• Nsombi Lambright, executive director of One Voice

“We will never get to the point where we can shift into cruise control. That is not what our ancestors fought for — this moment requires no less than to hold the line on what they fought for and to continue to position future generations for success,” Shelton said.

Ramachandran agreed.

“Those who wish to take us back to the dark ages are investing so many resources into achieving their goals. It’s a long term strategy,” Ramachandran said. “We have to shine the light on their true intentions every step of the way and continue to invest in the democracy we want.”

“While North Carolina voters are no strangers to distorted districts and voter suppression ahead of high-profile presidential elections, unlike prior years, a newly-conservative state supreme court, now in lockstep with an anti-voter legislature, will not save us,” Jones said. “Instead, it will be up to the state’s “fourth branch” of government — the people, public interest and the press — to inform, inspire, and mobilize for the reforms and resistance we’ll need to make our voices heard in the free and fair elections we deserve.”

You can watch it on Youtube Live and Facebook Live.

The youth are our future. It’s a saying we’ve heard a thousand times, but it’s a beautiful thing to see in action. Alabama Values has been working with collegiate influencers from all across the state as a part of our Do The Vote Thing (DTVT) initiative, and we recently hosted these students for an Influencer Weekend retreat in Montgomery. To say it was motivational watching the next generation of activists learn new skills and interact with their community is an understatement. It was a powerful three days that unified campuses from Tuskegee to Tuscaloosa.

The weekend kicked off with dinner at one of Montgomery’s finest (and most fun) dining establishments—The Cajun Leprechaun. Many introductions were made on Friday evening, but it wouldn’t take long for new acquaintances to become friends. As DTVT influencer and Alabama State student Brooke Surles shared, “My favorite moments over the weekend were hanging out with people that I didn’t even know, but we bonded over the things we loved.”

Saturday morning started with a community empowerment and narrative training at MAP360, which left an impression on the students. “Some of the key takeaways were to know your audience, know how to connect with them, be open-minded, and focus on important true information and steer clear of misinformation,” shared Tuskegee University student Scotteria Scott. Alabama Values and the Do The Vote Thing influencers then headed to the Montgomery Interpretive Center, which is a part of the Selma To Montgomery National Historic Trail. The center is a visually impactful site that tells the story of how foot soldiers in the 1960s bravely faced violence to gain basic freedoms including the right to vote. It was the perfect location for a ‘Vote In My Honor’ event, which centered around honoring the people we love by using the hard-earned right to vote.

The panel featured some of Alabama’s most distinguished voting rights advocates. The discussion was moderated by Laurel Hattix with ACLU of Alabama and featured Katie Glenn with SPLC, Scotteria with Do The Vote Thing, JaiGregory Clarke with Faith in Action Alabama, and foot soldier and writer Dr. Bradford. DTVT’s own Brooke started the conversation off by welcoming attendees to her hometown of Montgomery and highlighting all that would be taking place throughout the panel.

It was a busy weekend in Montgomery. In addition to the Vote in my Honor event, Alabama State was hosting Mississippi Valley State in a football showdown right behind the Interpretive Center. In other words, it was the perfect time for DTVT influencers to get some on-the-ground coverage. Each influencer partnered with Alabama Values team members to ask tailgate and football attendees two questions: why do you think it’s important to vote in this election and what do you hope the winner of the presidential race is able to accomplish during their first 100 days in office? The answers were insightful and covered every topic from student loans to Social Security to providing a better future for young family members.

After a busy afternoon processing major issues in 2024, influencers joined AV staff at The Legacy Museum which helped connect the lines from our nation’s horrid history based on slavery and the continued attacks on voting rights today. It left an immediate impact on the entire team. “My biggest takeaway would be learning that the problem with Jim Crow laws was not that they segregated people, but that they created first-class and second-class citizens in the country,” reflected University of Alabama student Rishi Pokhrel, “It allowed for one race to always be in a superior position.”

The night ended with great Jamaican food and an open mic led by our friends at Shake The Field that included Montgomery community members such as TKO Society and the DTVT influencers unveiling a truly impressive take on the classic Queen song, “We Will Rock You.” Shake The Field returned on Sunday morning to guide influencers through the importance of blending art and activism. After a wonderful lesson, the Do The Vote Thing students shared reels they made from their interviews with Alabama State fans the day before. Each video was a blend of fun and informative—the perfect closing to an equally fun and informative weekend in Montgomery.

Alabama – College students across Alabama are encouraging their peers to “Do The Vote Thing” through a GOTV narrative initiative developed by Alabama Values. The voting advocacy program is a peer-to-peer interactive learning experience to motivate young voters across the state to stay engaged and involved in elections year-round. This year the program selected 13 students from across the state to be Do The Vote Thing Influencers. Students on each campus will host voter registration house parties, “class raps”, launch social media campaigns, and other creative efforts to encourage students across Alabama to get out and vote.

“Do The Vote Thing” brings a unique element to voter initiative campaigns by leaning into the passion and talent of the students that are involved. While the program lasts a year, Alabama Values is partnering with Public Citizen, a nonprofit that fights to ensure that our government works for the people, to ensure the students are actively partaking in the voting process ahead of the 2024 elections. “Involving college students in organizing spaces is crucial because they bring fresh perspectives, energy, and innovative ideas,” shares Jalisa Giles, Secure Our Vote Campaign Coordinator with Public Citizen, “They are the future leaders and voters, and their engagement ensures the sustainability of our democratic processes. College students also help to amplify our efforts through their networks and social media presence, making our advocacy more dynamic and far-reaching.”

College students play a significant role in the future of our nation, and elections are directly impacted when young people feel that their vote matters. Research shows that 66% of college students voted in the 2020 election, which was a significant 14 percentage points higher than the 2016 results. 2020 saw another impressive statistic with an 80% yield rate with college students, meaning 8 out of every 10 students that registered to vote followed through in casting their ballots. Numbers are unfortunately lower in Alabama, with 62% of all eligible voters casting a vote in the 2020 election compared to the national percentage of 66%.

While percentages show Alabama is behind in voting rates, the state’s youth are not behind in envisioning a better United States for all people. Do The Vote Thing equips them with the knowledge and connections needed to make a difference in their communities. “Society is changing as we know it and young people are designing a world that reimagines freedom, safety, and governance,” shares Do The Vote Thing Program Coordinator Angel Alicea, “DTVT is equipping our young people to vocalize and activate their community for an equitable tomorrow.”

The students involved see the importance of this initiative as much as the program leaders. “My hope for this Campaign is to get as many people to go vote and to encourage them to not be afraid to vote,” shares Brooke Surles, a student at Alabama State University. “Raising awareness about the civic duty to vote is essential, especially for young people. With so much at stake in this election, it’s vital that Gen Z makes their voices heard,” adds Hill Godwin, who attends The University of Alabama.

Do The Vote Thing works to remove voter apathy from young Alabamians by highlighting the power of each resident’s vote and turning the voting booth into a place students are proud to visit on Election Tuesday. But voting isn’t the only way to harness the power of the next generation, which is why Do The Vote Thing students will be uplifting their communities in a multitude of ways. “For too long, young voices have been left out of critical conversations about the future of our communities,” Alabama Values Executive Director Anneshia Hardy reflects, “Do The Vote Thing is not just about voting—it’s about helping students recognize their power, tell their stories, and lead the charge for change. This initiative gives them the tools and the platform to make sure their voices are heard and their impact is felt.”

There’s an exciting feeling in the air on college campuses this semester, and it’s turning into a movement. “Do The Vote Thing” is a part of the change, as it encourages young leaders of today to work with their communities to create a better tomorrow. Visit www.dothevotething.org for more info.

On August 6, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act (VRA) into law, just months after civil rights marchers were brutally attacked in Selma, Alabama. That moment, born out of violence and resistance, changed the course of American democracy. The VRA became a critical tool in combating racial discrimination at the ballot box and expanded access to the vote for millions of Black Americans, especially across the South.

Sixty years later, the legacy of the Voting Rights Act is both undeniable and under attack.

Since the 2013 Shelby County v. Holder decision gutted key protections in the VRA, states have moved swiftly to redraw voting maps, close polling places, and pass restrictive voting laws. In Alabama, we witnessed firsthand the fight for fair maps in Allen v. Milligan. Just across state lines in Louisiana, the case of Callais v Landry is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, testing whether Black voters will receive the representation they are due.

And in Texas, the fight continues. State legislators have drawn congressional maps that federal judges say intentionally dilute the power of Latino and Black voters, despite Texas gaining more congressional seats due to population growth in those very communities. Legal battles there mirror what’s happening in Alabama and Louisiana: a coordinated effort to undermine the political power of historically marginalized communities.

At Alabama Values, we believe the South is worth fighting for.

We’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with our partners—like Alabama Forward, the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, and grassroots organizations across the South—to demand justice in the courts and mobilize our communities. As the state’s communications hub, our role is to uplift these stories, expose systemic voter suppression, and affirm that our democracy must be multiracial, inclusive, and just.

The 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act isn’t just a commemoration. It’s a call to action.

We must protect and expand the right to vote—not just in Alabama, but across the South where our voices are being targeted. That means restoring the full power of the VRA, investing in community-based media, and refusing to let voter suppression go unchecked.

This anniversary is also a reminder: the same spirit that crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 lives on today in young organizers demanding change. In elders who’ve never missed an election. First-time voters are registering with hope and determination.

We carry their legacy forward.

Join us as we continue the work of protecting democracy in the South. Because 60 years later, the struggle isn’t over, but neither is our commitment.To learn more and stay connected, you can follow us on social media @alavalues