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Hi team,
I’m in Alabama this week to meet up with some of our partners on the ground. It’s been a rollercoaster time for Alabama voting rights’ activists. On Monday we were delivered a devastating blow, but I’m heartened by the resolve and determination of the organizers on the ground here.
We didn’t want to wait a day longer to start our new state newsletters. Each month, we’ll send you some highlights and key developments in each of our partner states. We hope that this will show you the urgency and power of the grassroots work taking place.
More below!
Joe Kennedy
Founder
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News Update #1: Redistricting
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MAIN TAKEAWAYS:
- Earlier this month, the unanimous ruling in Milligan v. Merrill struck down Alabama's gerrymandered maps, and gave the Alabama Legislature two weeks to draft a new map in compliance with the Voting Rights Act. This initial ruling was a major win for Alabama voting rights organizers because it resulted in new maps with two districts where Black voters would have had the opportunity to elect candidates of their choice in 2022.
- The plaintiff in the initial court case Milligan v. Merrill is GWP friend Evan Milligan. In addition to bringing this historic case to court, Evan is the Executive Director of Alabama Forward - a Give Us the Ballot grantee! Evan and other voting rights activists worked tirelessly to secure this initial victory.
- Unfortunately, shortly after the unanimous ruling in Milligan v. Merrill, The United States Supreme Court reinstated the gerrymandered maps.
- If the Supreme Court follows the traditional timeline, arguments will be heard in the fall and a decision will be issued months later — meaning that the 2022 election will take place using the gerrymandered maps in question.
- This is undoubtedly a blow to voting rights organizers in Alabama and across the country. But they are as resolved as ever to continue the fight.
TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION!
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News Update #2: Anti-Protest Bill
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MAIN TAKEAWAYS:
- Alabama State Legislators are trying for the second time to pass an anti-protest bill that would further criminalize Black organizers and protestors.
- This bill would infringe upon all Alabamians’ right to protest and freedom to assemble.
TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION!
The grassroots coalition Alabama Moves is fighting back against Alabama’s anti-protest bill, sign their petition below:
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ALABAMA ORGANIZING SPOTLIGHT:
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