Addressing Voter Suppression Through Strategy and Allyship

The SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement hosted an online conversation, Stacey Abrams on Fighting for Voting Rights, on April 21. 

Stacey Abrams, a former member of the Georgia House of Representatives and founder of national voting rights organization Fair Fight, has worked diligently to address voter suppression laws in her state for the past decade. She has become known for successfully spearheading efforts to increase Georgia’s voter registration, and was an influential force behind its historic turnout during the 2020 election. 

However, in the months following the election, the state has passed new laws to suppress voting, targeted particularly at marginalized groups and communities of color. As similar legislation is introduced throughout the country, Abrams’ work continues, not only for her state, but at the federal level. 

In her conversation with SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White, Abrams discussed the history of voting laws; the circumstances currently influencing the introduction of new, more restrictive voter legislation; and these laws’ impact on different groups and communities.

“People of color in particular have been the most long-standing targets of these suppressive actions, but it is incredibly clear that young people, people of color and young people of color are now largely the targets of these new bills,” said Abrams. 

Abrams also spoke to the need for legislation that promotes voter equity and increased allyship.

“We need federal standards that set a baseline [that says] no matter where you live, your ability to register and to cast your ballot is the same,” said Abrams. “My preference is that we stand together as a nation and that those who share our values come and join us in our fight. We want you here; we want you standing up with us and amplifying us.”

To watch other PTEOE panels, conversations and livestreams, visit sagaftra.org/videos. 

The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.