Voting rights coalition to host #RestoreTheVoice Day on February 23 to engage Alabamians around voting rights restoration during legislative session
The Alabama Voting Rights Coalition announced today it will host a virtual #RestoreTheVoice Day on February 23 in an effort to engage and educate Alabamians around the voting rights restoration bills introduced by Rep. Laura Hall and Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison during this legislative session.
Voting rights restoration has been gaining momentum across the country and singer-songwriter John Legend has created a video series amplifying voting rights restoration efforts in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and West Virginia.
During the event, AVRC will reveal a video by Legend amplifying voting rights restoration in Alabama.
Legend collaborated with AVRC through FreeAmerica, a multi-year campaign he initiated to amplify the growing movement to end mass incarceration.
“Something special happens when people get their right to vote restored after serving their time,” Legend said. “And contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t help one party or another. It helps everyone. Whether you live in a rural, suburban or urban place, all of our communities benefit when more people participate.”
Through the #RestoretheVoice Day, the coalition hopes to raise awareness around the current barriers to voting rights. Attendees will learn about voting rights history in Alabama, how to share their stories or the stories of those who have been disenfranchised, and find out more about HB 53 and SB 6, which are the voting rights bills that have been filed this legislative session.
The FB live event will also provide viewers with access to a “Push Kit” that includes graphics, videos, and talking points that can be used to help bring awareness to voting rights issues and the voting rights restoration bills.
“Voting rights is the thread that holds the fabric of our democracy together,” Anneshia Hardy, executive director of Alabama Values Progress, said. Supporting HB 53 and SB 6 is supporting the right for every Alabamian to participate in our democratic process without having to navigate the complexities of our current rights restoration path.”
“Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. Therefore, it’s crucial that every Alabamian have the opportunity to cast their votes in elections,” Kathy Jones, president of the League of Women Voters Alabama, said. “Best of all, participants can take this information back to their communities and rally other Alabamians to help us fight for voting rights across the state. We have made the event virtual so that our communities can participate safely. We hope you will join us as we continue our mission of ensuring all Alabamians have the right to vote.”
#RestoreTheVoice Day will begin at 10 a.m. via Facebook Live on the Alabama Voting Rights Coalition’s Facebook page.
