Hope has always been the foundation of change. It has carried generations of Alabamians through struggles for justice, propelled movements forward and kept communities united, even in the face of overwhelming barriers. Today, that same hope fuels the fight for a more inclusive democracy in which every voice is heard, every ballot is counted and every eligible voter has a fair chance to participate.
Voters — especially in Alabama’s Black and rural communities — face obstacles that have no place in a fair democracy. Strict voter ID laws, the closure of polling places and the absence of early voting make it harder for working families, students and elderly voters to cast their ballots.
Other states have taken steps to expand access to the vote. Alabama clings to ways that complicate the process.
Logistical hurdles aside, systemic disenfranchisement remains in our state. Thousands of Alabamians who served their time and paid their dues remain locked out of the democratic process simply because, in the past, they were convicted of a crime. Without a straightforward path to restoring their rights after they have served their sentences, too many voices are left unheard, too many communities are left without representation and too many people are denied the opportunity to shape their future.
The Alabama Voting Rights Act (ALVRA), also known as SB 7, offers a solution to the challenges Alabama voters face. This legislation modernizes outdated systems, removes unnecessary restrictions and ensures greater oversight, creating a fairer, more transparent election process. It provides same-day voter registration, removing unnecessary restrictions that force Alabamians to justify their reasons for voting absentee.
It ensures that no one is excluded from the democratic process simply because of where they live, their job schedule or bureaucratic red tape. Nonpartisan oversight is built into the legislation, establishing accountability in a system historically vulnerable to discrimination and political interference.
This is more than a bill. It’s a chance to reaffirm that democracy should be open, fair and accessible to all. We have an opportunity to make all of our voices count where it matters most.
Today, advocates, organizers and community members from across the state will gather in Montgomery for ALVRA Lobby Day. This day will be about more than just legislation — it will be about people. Those who have struggled to vote, those who have been turned away, those who understand the urgency of reform will have the opportunity to speak directly to lawmakers and advocate for the changes Alabama desperately needs.
The right to vote should never be a privilege for the few. It is a fundamental freedom that belongs to us all. SB 7 is a step toward a future where voting in Alabama is no longer an uphill battle, where elections are conducted with fairness and transparency and where democracy truly reflects the will of the people.
Jack Slate is a community organizer with the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Alabama state office.
Image at top: SPLC Alabama Policy Director Jerome Dees speaks during Alabama Lobby Day outside of the Alabama State House in Montgomery on April 1, 2025. (Credit: Josh Carples)