Earlier this year, the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Alabama state office held listening sessions about democracy across the state. Residents vocalized their concern for the integrity of democracy on a state and federal level as a top issue. Audience members cited examples ranging from ongoing purges of voter rolls to anemic turnout rates when citizens are given the chance to vote.
The Beyond the Vote: Days of Democracy campaign was created with the idea that democracy moves beyond election days and so should communities. The goal of Days of Democracy is to encourage us all to immerse ourselves in our communities and diversify mobilization efforts to the voting booth.
Midterm elections historically have low turnout. We at the ÈËÊÞÐÔ½» are dedicated to shifting the narrative first and the metric second. This upcoming midterm election cycle is the perfect opportunity to try voter restoration, amendment education and other methods to strengthen the advocacy muscles needed to push democracy forward.
Election days are like the Super Bowl. Every day leading up to Election Day can be considered as regular-season contests. Primary elections are like conference championship games. Maintaining a winning record in the regular season increases the odds of making it to the conference championship. Winning there guarantees a shot at the Super Bowl.
Every time we’re in community strategizing, educating and mobilizing, we’re increasing our odds as a strong contender in the Super Bowl. So, when Election Day for our conference title comes on May 19 or our Super Bowl on Nov. 3, we will be ready! Let’s collectively get on the field and win!
NOTE: Election days for Alabama are May 19 for the primary election and Nov. 3 for the general election. Please visit for more information.
Makhayla DesRosiers is a senior state community organizer with the ÈËÊÞÐÔ½»â€™s Alabama state office.
Image at top: Andre Ivey, a senior state community organizer with the ÈËÊÞÐÔ½»â€™s Alabama state office, speaks during a meeting with NAACP members in Barbour County, Alabama, earlier this year. (Credit: Hillary Hudson)
