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You play a pivotal role in the fight against voter suppression in the South and across the country. Friend, You play a pivotal role in the fight against voter suppression in the South and across the country. Because of your efforts, the SPLC continues leading the fight against white supremacy, hate and bigotry. Since this nation’s founding, Black and Brown people have fought tirelessly to exercise their fundamental right to vote, but the disenfranchisement persists. From poll taxes to racial gerrymandering congressional and state maps, hard-right lawmakers go to great lengths to keep white supremacy alive. During the Jim Crow era, states in the Deep South enacted numerous barriers, including literacy tests, to suppress the Black vote. These tests, administered by white elections officials, were often skewed, giving people of color the most challenging questions while white people received simple questions or none at all. Take this sample literacy test to see the typical questions asked — if you were Black. During Jim Crow, it didn’t matter if you knew the answer. As long as you were white, you could vote, literate or not. While the days of literacy tests are over, we’re seeing a wave of new voting barriers as modern-day legislatures in the South pass laws that undermine the progress we’ve made as a country. That’s how voting precincts in majority Black areas were permanently closed in Georgia, forcing voters to wait for hours in line. That’s why returning citizens in Florida have to pay all legal fees and fines before registering to vote. That’s why many Southern states are facing legal challenges to racial gerrymandered congressional maps that strip the rights of people of color to elect their candidates of choice We must be prepared for what is to come. Our democracy, as it stands today, is fragile. We cannot wait—the time to take action is now. For over 50 years, the SPLC has worked to dismantle white supremacy through legal action, legislative advocacy and helping grassroots organizations conduct robust voter registration and outreach programs. None of this is possible without your help. Will you give a special gift today to help us continue our mission to end voter suppression in the South? Your generous support goes toward our work with community partners to register voters, take legal action against anti-voter policies and dismantle white supremacy. We are eternally grateful for your partnership. In solidarity, Your friends at the Southern Poverty Law Center |
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