SiX Action | Democracy

Democracy

The Southern Freedom to Vote Alliance

Whatever our race, background, or zip code, in America we all value our freedom. Freedom to have a say in the decisions that impact us, from feeling safe in our communities to affording our grocery and healthcare bills. The Southern Freedom to Vote Alliance is a cohort of pro-democracy legislators in southern states who aim to build a movement rooted in these values, advancing the freedom to vote.

For decades, an anti-voter faction has launched a coordinated attack on our freedom to vote in statehouses across the country. Scared of the power of the people, they hope to divide and distract us so they can keep ruling for the billionaires and wealthy corporations instead.We know that attempts to restrict voting rights are rooted in Jim Crow laws targeting Black and low-income voters. And now they’ve erected new barriers to voting that primarily silence the voices of Black, brown, young, working class, and new Americans. In the process, they have sowed a deceptive and false narrative about our election systems that has eroded confidence and fueled a rightwing movement based on the “Big Lie.”

That’s why we have come together as pro-voter legislators across the south to introduce legislation that will protect our freedom to vote, ensure that voting is safe and accessible, and guarantee that every vote is counted so that the will of the people prevails.

Policy:

Our freedom to vote champions are leading the charge, introducing pro-democracy bills that advance our fundamental values as Americans:

Florida

SB 1206/HB 1469: Makes various changes to election laws, including authorizing same-day voter registration and automatic voter registration and requiring the Secretary of State to be elected rather than appointed
HB 501/SB 1696: Specifies information to be provided on sentencing scoresheets concerning restoration of voting rights and requires scoresheet to be provided to defendant before sentence is imposed
SB 1296/HB 1235: Creates a database tracking the court fees, fines, and restitution owed by an individual seeking to restore their rights
SB 1668/HB 1507: Makes changes to laws regarding the restoration of voting rights, including requiring ineligible voters to be notified and removed from the statewide voter registration system and providing an affirmative defense for individuals charged with specified crimes

Georgia

HB 2: Extends early voting for primary and general elections
HB 10: Provides electronic voting option for the visually impaired
HB 394: Allows Saturday/Sunday voting the weekend before all elections (primaries, generals, and runoffs)
SB 53: Creates a permanent absentee voter list
SB 101: Provides automatic application for absentee ballot in runoff after a primary or general election
HB 419: Lowers the run-off threshold to provide election results by plurality
HB 200: Allows municipalities to adopt and use instant runoff voting for their elections
HB 561: Allows voters to use any precinct within their county
HB 559: Provides voters accompanied by children under five years of age with preferential treatment during voting

North Carolina

HB 293/SB 226: Makes various changes to elections laws, including prohibiting voter intimidation, establishing online voter registration, and expanding early voting hours
HB 372 / SB 313: Bans intimidation/harassment of voters and election officials and prevents guns at and around polls
HB 362 / SB 306: Makes changes to campaign finance and redistricting laws, establishes online voter registration, and expands vote by mail

The Southern Freedom to Vote Alliance is a project of SiX Action.

In The News:

Governing Magazine: Can a New Coalition Beat Back Voter Supression?
Press Release: Southern Freedom to Vote Alliance Launch
Florida State Senator Geraldine “Geri” Thompson, DeSantis election law undermines our freedom to vote
Georgia State House Representative Jasmine Clark, Breaking records doesn’t mean breaking barriers

Join Us:

The Southern Freedom to Vote Alliance is a space for southern state legislators to convene, connect, and collaborate to protect the freedom to vote so that we all have a say in the decisions that impact our lives.

Email info@stateinnovation.org to learn more.