Urban League of Louisiana and Southern Poverty Law Center in partnership with League of Women Voters Louisiana, Black Voters Matter, Power Coalition, Voice of the Experienced, American Civil Liberties Union – Louisiana (ACLU), Agency Brava, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Black Women’s Roundtable & Bike N Vote look to galvanize groups across state
LOUISIANA – Today, the Urban League of Louisiana and Southern Poverty Law Center in partnership with League of Women Voters Louisiana, Black Voters Matter, Power Coalition, Voice of the Experienced, American Civil Liberties Union – Louisiana (ACLU), Agency Brava, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Black Women’s Roundtable & Bike N Vote announced that they will lead a nonpartisan 2024 Louisiana Black & Brown Voter Registration Day on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
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 2024 Presidential Election, Congressional Elections & important ballot measures.
“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 understand that our efforts are stronger when we build capacity and partner with others who share our vision for the communities we serve. I am excited that our partnership is continuing in this second year. I know it will only keep getting stronger.”
“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.”
“Voter Registration Day is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact Hispanics can have on shaping Louisiana and our nation’s future. When every Latino’s voice is heard and every vote is counted, our communities will be empowered to drive positive change, advocate for our needs, and create a more inclusive society. Let us embrace this day as a celebration of the significance of our participation in the democratic process,” said Mayra E. Pineda, President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana.
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 2024 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.”
“Your vote is your voice and power, but that power cannot be used if you are not registered,” said Ashley Shelton, Founder, President & CEO, The Power Coalition for Equity and Justice. “Walk in your power and register to vote to have your voice heard and elect leaders committed to serving the people of Louisiana.”
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
Urban League of Louisiana’s mission is to build a Louisiana where Black and other people of the global majority have economic self-reliance, generational wealth, civil rights, and equitable representation. Using a holistic, family-centered approach, we implement our mission through four strategies – programs, policy and advocacy, narrative change, and events and convenings to impact change. To learn more, visit www.urbanleaguela.org.
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