Urban League of Louisiana and Southern Poverty Law Center in partnership with League of Women Voters Louisiana, Black Voters Matter, Power Coalition, and Voice of the Experienced look to galvanize groups across the state
NEW ORLEANS — Today, the Urban League of Louisiana and Southern Poverty Law Center in partnership with League of Women Voters Louisiana, Black Voters Matter, Power Coalition, and Voice of the Experienced announced that they will lead a nonpartisan 2023 Louisiana Black & Brown Voter Registration Day on Saturday, September 16, 2023.
This statewide effort will be concentrated in seven (7) targeted cities: Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, New Orleans, Monroe & Shreveport. The goal of this nonpartisan effort across the state is to register as many Black and Brown voters as possible, educate voters on their registration status, and highlight the collective voting power of marginalized communities in our state ahead of the 2023 Gubernatorial Election and the 2024 Congressional Elections.
“The Urban League of Louisiana continues to be committed to ensuring that Black Louisianians are educated about and participate fully in the political process,” said Judy Reese Morse, Urban League of Louisiana President and CEO. “Likewise, we realize the tremendous opportunity that exists to galvanize and build continuity with other underserved communities, particularly the Latino and Hispanic communities of our state, in realizing our collective power to fight and vote for a more equitable Louisiana. That is why in addition to our yearly Wake Up Geaux Vote efforts to educate residents the League is proud to lead this effort with our many partners to engage our families, friends, and community members to participate fully at the ballot box during this election cycle and beyond!”
“On Black and Brown Voter Registration Day we rise together, taking hold of our shared destiny,” said Terry C. Landry, Jr., Louisiana Policy Director, Southern Poverty Law Center. “It is a day to uplift our voices, to inspire change, and to empower our communities. Our votes are our voices, resonating in every corner of our democracy. Remember each vote is a stand for justice, a beacon for equality, and an expression of hope. Your vote matters, make it count.”
This voter registration initiative builds upon the strong advocacy by nonprofit and legislative leaders in the State Capitol and courts to ensure fair redistricting, fair voting maps, and equitable access to voting throughout the state.
“The fight for re-enfranchisement was just the beginning; now, the second half of the battle lies in bringing our formerly incarcerated brothers and sisters to the voting polls,” said Norris Henderson, Executive Director, VOTE. “At Voice of the Experienced, we are eager to join forces for Black & Brown Voter Registration Day and move towards a more inclusive, representative democracy that works for everyone – one in which every voice, every vote and every citizen counts.”
The 2023 Louisiana Black & Brown Voter Registration Day aims to galvanize community, civic, faith-based and all groups who share the aim of empowering, educating and mobilizing black and brown voters in one targeted day of massive collective action. Organizations can sign up today to volunteer.
“We work year-round to make sure all eligible Americans — especially first-time voters, non-college youth, new citizens, communities of color, and low-income Americans—have the opportunity to register and vote,” said Rosalind Cook of League of Women Voters. “We forward to working on Black & Brown Voter Registration Day.”
“Black and Brown Voters are an untapped force in Louisiana that must be registered, organized, and mobilized,” said Omari Ho-Sang and Keturah Butler-Reed, Black Voters Matter Louisiana. “Our approach to restore their confidence in this election cycle is through love-led engagement and building capacity through authentic messaging.”
Organizations and groups are invited to sign up to participate in one or more target cities. Participating organizations will receive training and education on voter engagement laws in Louisiana, as well as strategies and resources to aid in its voter registration efforts on the day of action.
Those interested in participating can sign up here.
About Urban League of Louisiana
The mission of Urban League of Louisiana is to assist African Americans and other communities seeking equity to secure economic self-reliance, parity and civil rights. We implement our mission through programs in the areas of education and youth development, workforce and economic development, public policy and advocacy initiatives.
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