Alabama – While there are many things that United States voters disagree on, there are some things that bring us all together. One of those is the belief that we deserve fair elections. A group of Alabama nonprofits are coming together to “Defend the Ballot” and ensure that this governmental standard stays a reality in the state. Alabama Values and Alabama Forward have joined forces with partner organizations including Shake The Field, The Flourish, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund’s Black Voters On The Rise, Faith in Action Alabama, South Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable, Stand Up Mobile, Energy Alabama,Southern Leadership for Voter Education (SOLVE), and Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP) to create a one-stop website that allows Alabamians to check their voter registration status, research key voting information, and find ways to get involved with the voting process.
“Knowledge is power, and when we equip communities with accurate, accessible information, we remove barriers to the ballot,” explains Alabama Values Executive Director Anneshia Hardy, “Defend The Ballot is about countering the misinformation and disinformation that keeps people from voting, making sure every voter has the tools they need to make informed decisions. By providing access to reliable voter information, we’re breaking down barriers and making sure every voice has the opportunity to shape the future of our democracy”
Defend The Ballot isn’t a one-time voter information initiative—it is a long-term accountability approach to prevent improper influence and ensure election results accurately reflect what the people of Alabama vote for. “This isn’t just a campaign,” the site shares, “it’s a call to action. Every vote matters. Every voice counts. And together, we will defend democracy.” This happens in multiple ways, all found on one website where residents can find their polling location, track their ballot, report voting issues, and more.
“Alabama Forward strongly believes in the importance of providing accurate election information, combating mis- and disinformation, and safeguarding the integrity of the voting process, particularly for marginalized communities in our state,” shares Deanna Fowler, Executive Director of the state’s civic engagement table Alabama Forward, “Election protection is one of the critical core components of our network’s mission to ensure every Alabamian has the opportunity to engage in the democratic process. Through Defend the Ballot and election protection work happening throughout Alabama, we hope to empower every voter with the knowledge and resources needed to address potential barriers created by voter suppression tactics and participate confidently and securely in elections.”
The combination of voting information and election protection is crucial for the 2024 election, as highlighted by Faith In Action Alabama’s Executive Director Daniel Schwartz. “Faith In Action Alabama is a faith-based community organizing organization. We think that elections are one way for all voters to have their voice heard and help shape the decisions their governments are facing over the next couple of years,” Schwartz shares, “We also feel it’s important that everyone has information on how to register to vote and the steps they need to take to actually vote here in Alabama. In addition, we want people to feel safe at their polling stations. For those reasons, we are proud to be a part of Defend The Ballot.”
A prominent feature of Defend The Ballot’s website is the voter toolkit that helps voters register, make a plan to vote, learn more about this year’s candidate, and more. There is also an event page where Alabamians that want to get more involved in the democratic process can find hosting voter education workshops, community conversations, poll worker trainings, and similar happenings in their area. The website also makes it easy to volunteer with any of the involved organizations.
“Defend the Ballot will combat discriminatory election administration practices, advocate for access to the ballot box, monitor the polls, and provide accurate, non-partisan election information, giving voters, especially Black voters, the information and tools they need to vote confidently and to vote free from barriers,” shares Uruj Sheikh, Attorney with Legal Defense Fund’s Black Voters on the Rise Initiative, “By joining Defend Our Ballot’s voter education and protection efforts, we can ensure Black people in Alabama can freely exercise their voice.”
The importance of defending the ballot is even more apparent in Alabama’s new Congressional District, which includes the city of Mobile. “For the first time ever Alabama has the opportunity to send two Black representatives to Congress to represent its citizens. This allows for Black Alabamians to have a fair and equitable voice on the Congressional level. This election and the results of the CD2 race will play a pivotal role in the fight for fair maps in Alabama and will determine our future trajectory,” explains Stand Up Mobile’s Founding President Shalela Dowdy, “It is also important that we yield the results of electing a Black candidate due to the fact that there is still ongoing litigation. We are hoping Defend the Ballot streamlines the voting process and provides the voters of Alabama with information that is needed concerning the electoral process. We want Alabamians to become embolden to take ownership and take a more active role in the electorate process and holding elected officials accountable.”
As we rapidly approach the 2024 general election, Defend The Ballot makes it easier than ever for Alabamians to get involved in protecting their right to vote. We can’t demand change if we refuse to play a role, so join the movement for a fair democracy today. Voters can visit defendtheballot.org to make sure they are ready on Election Day.
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Alabama Values is a grassroots communications organization working to raise awareness and increase engagement around community issues in Alabama. They work directly with grassroots civic organizations advocating to build power and break down barriers to civic participation for communities across the state.