Alabama nonprofits join forces for “Defend the Ballot” initiative

In a time when election integrity is a priority for voters across the United States, a coalition of Alabama nonprofits is taking action to safeguard the democratic process. The “Defend The Ballot” initiative brings together organizations across the state to ensure Alabamians have access to fair, accurate, and protected voting in the upcoming elections.

Spearheaded by Alabama Values and Alabama Forward, the initiative includes key partners such as Shake The Field, The Flourish, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund’s Black Voters On The Rise, Faith in Action Alabama, South Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable, Stand Up Mobile, Energy Alabama, Southern Leadership for Voter Education (SOLVE), and Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP). These groups have launched a comprehensive website designed to provide voters with tools to check their registration status, access voting information, and find ways to participate in the election process.

“Knowledge is power, and when we equip communities with accurate, accessible information, we remove barriers to the ballot,” said Alabama Values Executive Director Anneshia Hardy. “Defend The Ballot is about countering the misinformation and disinformation that keeps people from voting, making sure every voter has the tools they need to make informed decisions. By providing access to reliable voter information, we’re breaking down barriers and making sure every voice has the opportunity to shape the future of our democracy.”

The initiative aims to be more than a voter education campaign. It positions itself as a long-term approach to election accountability, ensuring that all voices are heard and every vote is counted. “This isn’t just a campaign,” the website states, “it’s a call to action. Every vote matters. Every voice counts. And together, we will defend democracy.” The platform enables residents to find polling locations, track their ballots, report issues, and more.

Alabama Forward Executive Director Deanna Fowler emphasized the initiative’s commitment to accuracy and combating election misinformation. “Alabama Forward strongly believes in the importance of providing accurate election information, combating mis- and disinformation, and safeguarding the integrity of the voting process, particularly for marginalized communities in our state,” Fowler said. “Election protection is one of the critical core components of our network’s mission to ensure every Alabamian has the opportunity to engage in the democratic process.”

Daniel Schwartz, Executive Director of Faith In Action Alabama, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for safety and accessibility at polling stations. “Faith In Action Alabama is a faith-based community organizing organization. We think that elections are one way for all voters to have their voice heard and help shape the decisions their governments are facing over the next couple of years,” Schwartz said. “We also feel it’s important that everyone has information on how to register to vote and the steps they need to take to actually vote here in Alabama.”

The website also features a voter toolkit that provides essential resources such as how to register, make a voting plan, and learn about candidates. Additionally, it hosts a directory of events where citizens can participate in voter education workshops, poll worker trainings, and community discussions.

Legal Defense Fund attorney Uruj Sheikh highlighted the initiative’s goal of eliminating voting barriers, particularly for Black voters. “Defend the Ballot will combat discriminatory election administration practices, advocate for access to the ballot box, monitor the polls, and provide accurate, non-partisan election information,” Sheikh said. “By joining Defend Our Ballot’s voter education and protection efforts, we can ensure Black people in Alabama can freely exercise their voice.”

The importance of defending the ballot is particularly significant in Alabama’s new Congressional District, which encompasses Mobile. “For the first time ever, Alabama has the opportunity to send two Black representatives to Congress,” said Shalela Dowdy, President of Stand Up Mobile. “This allows for Black Alabamians to have a fair and equitable voice on the Congressional level.”

With the 2024 general election approaching, Defend The Ballot provides Alabamians the tools they need to protect their vote. The website is available at defendtheballot.org for voters to check their registration and get prepared for Election Day.