ACLU-TN Launches Campaign to Increase Voting by Mail and Early Voting
Initiative Focuses on Mobilizing Rural and Suburban Communities of Color to Vote Safely
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2020
CONTACT: Lindsay Kee, 615-320-7142
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee launched its “Vote Like Your Rights Depend On It” campaign, which seeks to mobilize Tennesseans to vote safely by mail or by early voting during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign is focused on reaching communities of color, which have disproportionately borne the impacts of both voter suppression and the COVID-19 pandemic in Tennessee.
“Our democratic values hang in the balance in this coming election, from racial justice and free speech to reproductive freedom and fair treatment of immigrants,” said Hedy Weinberg, ACLU of Tennessee executive director. “In a democracy, our vote is our voice. This campaign will ensure that eligible voters know their options for voting safely this November and have a plan to vote. Every vote matters.”
The awareness campaign will feature a video by Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and campaign ambassador Jason Isbell, virtual events, robust “Know Your Rights” educational materials, social media encouraging people to #votesafe, and digital and direct mail advertising. ACLU-TN will also work with community partners across the state – particularly in rural and suburban areas — to educate the public, and engage volunteers to make direct contact with as many voters as possible.
“No one should have to choose between their health and their vote. Historically disenfranchised Americans are experiencing both the worst of voter suppression and the worst of the pandemic,” said Brandon Tucker, policy director for the ACLU of Tennessee. “This campaign will provide voters with the tools they need to cast a ballot safely, so that we can all vote like our rights depend on it.”
More information can be found at: http://www.aclu-tn.org/vote
People interested in volunteering can sign up at: https://action.aclu.org/volunteer/tn-vlyrdoi?ms_aff=TN&initms_aff=TN&ms=200909__&initms=200909__
