2023 elections show the South is still contested territory (or can be)

This year's off-year elections saw mixed results for Democrats in the South, with progressives scoring victories in Kentucky and Virginia — and staying competitive in Mississippi — while the bulk of races still went to Republicans. What do the results tell us about 2024 and beyond? (11/22/23)

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Election disruptions and barriers in Southern states point to challenges in 2024

In the 2023 elections, voters across the South faced difficulties including long lines, ballot shortages, and registration issues. Suppressive voting legislation and other structural barriers could exacerbate these issues as the 2024 election cycle swings into motion. (11/17/23)

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Why we did what we did: Reflections from Bob Hall, Sue Thrasher, and Leah Wise

On a panel at the Southern Exposure 50th anniversary event this spring, Sue Thrasher, Leah Wise, and Bob Hall talked about launching the Institute for Southern Studies and Southern Exposure magazine in the 1970s. Listen to the panel on the Working History podcast and read the transcript.

As we head into the holiday season and reflect on what we’re thankful for, we would like to thank you, our readers and followers.

Your passion for understanding and changing the South motivates us to produce high-quality reporting and analysis about important issues, like this special issue on lessons from the 2023 elections. 

Your feedback and ideas help us uncover new stories, look at issues from different viewpoints, and strengthen our work.

And your ongoing support helps keep alive our unique voice for a better South. Thank you to the hundreds of donors who make it all possible. 

In the coming months, we will be taking a fresh look at Facing South and how the Institute’s media can have more impact. We’ll soon be sending out a reader survey, and we hope you’ll let us know what you like, what we can do better, and how our information and ideas can best meet the challenges of these difficult times.

In the meantime, we are continuing to update the digital archives of Southern Exposure, the Institute’s award-winning print journal published between 1973 and 2011. Visit here to see the latest issues added to the online collection. We'll be sending out our next issue of Facing South in December.

And if you want to support our work and voice for change in the South, please consider making a donation today. We can't do it without you!

With gratitude,

Chris Kromm, Director and Publisher