DURHAM, N.C. (Oct. 28, 2025) — General elections will be held across the South in late October and early November, with voters deciding who will lead their cities and towns, steer local school policies and more.
Turnout tends to be much lower in these “off” election years without races for governors, Congress and president on the top of most state’s tickets. But the decisions made by voters this fall will affect their daily lives as they decide the direction for people’s towns, cities and counties, as well as school boards, utility commissions, state governments, some state legislatures and more.
Southern Leadership for Voter Engagement (SOLVE) is a network housed at Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) consisting of more than 300 non-partisan grassroots voting rights groups focused on achieving fair and equitable access to the ballot. Our members are educating voters about what’s at stake in local elections and how to access the ballot in a region with modern-day barriers to the ballot that disproportionately harm Black, Latino, Asian and Native American voters, as well as those with disabilities.
The following statement is from Mitchell Brown, Network Coordinator for the SOLVE project at SCSJ, about the importance of local elections:
“We need to focus on participation in local elections so that we don’t have voters sitting on the sidelines when there are important chances to decide how or if their streets get paved, whether our public schools are serving all our children, and to help develop policies to protect the most vulnerable against the increasingly clear consequences of the climate crisis.
“Change has always come because of the strength of people on the ground, and it is why we need to ensure every eligible voter can have their voice heard at the ballot box in every election, big or small. It is people, not politicians, who shape the future of our communities by voting and ensuring that power stays with the people, where it rightfully belongs.”
###
Note: Members of the SOLVE network are available to speak with reporters about voter access challenges in each of their respective states by emailing sarah@scsj.org.
Additional information on upcoming elections and dates in 2025:
- Alabama: Oct. 28, special state house general election (one seat).
- Florida: Nov. 4, municipal elections.
- Georgia: Nov. 4, municipal and school board elections, two statewide public service commissioner seats on board that sets utility rates. (Note: Elections for these PSC seats were delayed for several years, as courts considered cases challenging the statewide election format that left Black Georgians unable to have a meaningful say in who is elected.)
- Mississippi: Nov. 4, special state house general elections for multiple districts.
- North Carolina: Nov. 4, municipal and local elections.
- South Carolina: Nov. 4, municipal elections.
- Tennessee: Dec. 2, general election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District (Nashville suburbs and Middle/West Tennessee).
- Texas: Nov. 4, special election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District (Houston).
- Virginia: Nov. 4, general elections for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, House of Delegates.
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.
