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Beyond the Ballot Box: Reigniting the desire for change and accountability

As a community organizer for the Southern Poverty Law Center in Louisiana, seeing the decline in civic participation has been both upsetting and alarming to me.

When we noticed that many Black voters in the state are registered, but aren’t showing up to vote, we quickly realized we had to step in to remind people why voting matters. In true New Orleans fashion, we took action by “taking it to the streets.” The SPLC has supported several local events to share key get-out-the-vote information for the Nov. 5 election.

In speaking with community members, we learned that one of the biggest barriers to voting is a lack of desire. Every action, whether it’s as simple as eating breakfast or as significant as voting, starts with desire. Right now, many people feel drained by the “same old, same old.” As community member Chandra McKay said: “We vote, but we don’t see any real change, and in some cases, things get worse. We want better. We desire change, equity and, ultimately, to feel like we matter.”

Chandra’s feelings echo what many others expressed – a sense of hopelessness around voting. As a community organizer, I know that these conversations are difficult but essential.

Person holds card with name of someone unable to vote.

At events such as the Black Love Festival, the SPLC has supported efforts to share key get-out-the-vote information for the Nov. 5 election.

(Credit: April Winder)
Person holds card with name of someone unable to vote.

The “Vote in My Honor” initiative focuses on those who are disenfranchised who would vote but cannot.

(Credit: April Winder)
Person holds card with name of someone unable to vote.

At the Black Love Festival, an attendee holds a Vote in My Honor card that reads, “I vote in honor of the version of myself that was less informed.”

(Credit: April Winder)

As part of the SPLC’s The South’s Got Now | Decidimos campaign, we launched an initiative called “Vote in My Honor,” which shifts the focus to those who are disenfranchised, such as formerly incarcerated people, who would vote but cannot. Many participated by writing the names of those who came to mind when asked to vote in honor of someone they know. It provided a strong reminder to them of the power we have at the ballot box – a power that others have lost.

Of course, voting is only the first step – it’s about holding elected officials accountable for their promises so that our desires become achievable goals. As author Napoleon Hill once said, “When your desires are strong enough, you will appear to possess superhuman powers to achieve.”

We have the power to shape our future, but it lies in both our vote and our voices. Together, we can reignite the desire for change and ensure that the system works for all of us, not just some of us. The road ahead may be challenging, but it is one we must walk.

Our communities, our dreams and our futures depend on it.

Picture at top: At the Black Love Festival in New Orleans attendees participated in the “Vote in My Honor” campaign by filling out cards with the names of those who would vote but cannot. (Credit: April Winder)