Media briefing at 1 p.m. ET Thursday, Aug. 8. Sign up here to attend.
DURHAM, N.C. (August 6, 2024) –– The Southern Leadership for Voter Engagement (SOLVE) Network is excited to announce the release of its “State of the South: Voting Rights Under Assault” report, which details the challenges millions of voters in the South will face this fall to exercise their freedom to vote.
The report provides a detailed look at voting access and barriers, as well as insight from grassroots advocates within SOLVE’s 10-state footprint of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
In addition to a state-by-state look at voting barriers for individuals residing in these states, the report includes insight from voters and pro-democracy advocates in each state to detail the precise challenges voters face in having their voices heard and accounted for in their communities.
Read a summary of the report here.
“The South has again been an epicenter of injustice as voter suppression surged in our country in the last decade, with the rights of voters of color under attack,” said report author Sarah Ovaska, SOLVE senior communications strategist. “We must protect our freedom to vote to have a democracy that works for and listens to all of us.”
“Our government is supposed to be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, but what history shows us is that those in power will do anything in their power to exclude and dilute the voice of voters of color, thereby diminishing the ability of voters of color to fight for change in their communities,” said Mitchell Brown, SOLVE network coordinator and senior voting rights counsel for voting rights at SCSJ. “The State of the South Report breathes life into this conversation by explaining how Southern voting laws and policies affect voters of color and how some voters feel silenced.”
Read the report here.
A media briefing on the report will be held at 1 p.m.
What: Media Briefing on the newly released “State of the South: Voting Rights Under Assault” report
When: Thursday, August 8 at 1 p.m. ET
Where: Zoom webinar. Click here to register.
Media have permission to record the briefing and a video link will be distributed following the event.
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SOLVE, a project of Southern Coalition for Social Justice, is a multi-state collaborative of over 200 organizations dedicated to sharing strategies, resources, and support in the ongoing struggle to protect and expand voting rights. Our mission is to provide a space for Southern grassroots and state-based organizations to address and rectify policies that have weakened the voting strength of communities. Learn more at solve@scsj.org and follow our work on Instagram and Twitter.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
