As we approach another pivotal election year, it’s critical that we not only cast our ballots but also ensure our families, friends, and neighbors are registered, informed, and ready to vote. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) remains committed to empowering Black voters with the tools and knowledge needed to participate fully in our democracy.

While presidential elections often capture the headlines, state and local elections frequently have the most immediate impact on our communities. Governors, mayors, state legislators, judges, and school board members all make decisions that shape our neighborhoods, schools, and access to essential resources.

In 2025 and 2026, voters in states across the country will head to the polls to elect leaders who will shape state budgets, set healthcare policies, influence criminal justice systems, oversee voting access, and decide local education priorities. These decisions matter deeply to Black families, entrepreneurs, students, and elderly people alike. Every office on the ballot represents an opportunity to advocate for equity, accountability, and progress.

Across the nation, several key states will hold elections that could have lasting effects on issues that impact Black communities.

• Virginia and New Jersey will hold legislative elections that may determine control of their state assemblies. In both states, Black voter turnout has historically influenced outcomes on issues like affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and access to quality healthcare.

• Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi will vote for governors and other statewide offices that will set agendas for economic development, education, and health equity.

• Local elections in cities like Houston, Atlanta, and Philadelphia will shape leadership in urban centers with large Black populations. These local offices decide everything from policing practices to community development projects.

While the political landscape differs from state to state, one constant remains: when Black communities vote, we make a difference.

In today’s landscape, it’s vital to rely on trusted, nonpartisan resources for election information. One of the most comprehensive tools available is Vote411.org, a resource created by the League of Women Voters Education Fund.

Vote411 provides personalized election information, including:

• Registration deadlines and procedures by state.
• Details on local, state, and national races.
• Early voting and absentee ballot information.
• Polling place locations and hours.
• Explanations of ballot initiatives and referenda.

Whether you’re voting in a major city or a rural county, Vote411 helps ensure you have the facts you need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.

Voting is one piece of the larger picture of civic engagement. True empowerment comes from sustained participation—in community meetings, advocacy campaigns, and public service. Each of us has a role to play in shaping a future that reflects our collective priorities and values.

At CBCF, our mission has always been rooted in advancing the global Black community through leadership development, research, and public policy. Promoting civic participation is central to that mission. Through our research initiatives, and leadership programs, we are equipping emerging leaders and everyday citizens alike to engage meaningfully in the democratic process.

As we look toward the next election cycle, we encourage everyone to use their voices, their influence, and their votes to advance equity and opportunity for all.

The post Empowering Our Communities: Why the Upcoming Elections Matter appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

On October 16, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional to deny voter registration to formerly incarcerated individuals, reinstating the voting rights of nearly 7,000 Nebraska residents. This decision mirrors those in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Minnesota, which have passed laws to collectively restore voting rights to another 10,000 formerly incarcerated individuals. However, unlike most states, which use a winner-take-all system to allocate electoral college votes, Nebraska awards its votes by a congressional district method. In 2020, President Joe Biden won one of the state’s three districts, earning him one electoral vote. Now, with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump locked in a fierce battle for every electoral vote, these newly reinstated voters could play a pivotal role.

While these states have expanded access to the ballot box, millions of Americans with felony convictions remain barred from voting. This includes over 1.8 million Black Americans, who continue to be disproportionately impacted by restrictive state laws. A federal law restoring voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals could dismantle state-level barriers and ensure broader access to civic participation across the nation.

In March 2024, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Center for Policy Analysis and Research published Unshackling the Vote: Restoring Civic Participation for Persons Recently Released from Incarceration. This policy brief discusses H.R. 4987, a bill proposed by Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) in May 2023 to immediately restore voting rights for individuals with criminal convictions upon their release from prison. But as of today, H.R. 4987 and its Senate counterpart, S. 1677, remain stalled. Other proposals from Democratic lawmakers, such as H.R. 6643, which would abolish felon disenfranchisement in federal elections, and S. 4217, aimed at restoring voting rights for individuals released under the First Step Act who have not reoffended, have faced the same roadblock: referral to the Committee on the Judiciary in each chamber, with no further action.[i]

Since releasing Unshackling the Vote, the CBCF has launched a Voting Rights Scorecard, a powerful tool that shines a light on the voting rights landscape across the 15 states with the largest Black populations. Each state was assessed in four critical areas, including felon disenfranchisement, a key factor in the broader fight for voting rights. The findings were revealing. Five states (Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania) have enacted laws that support re-enfranchisement. Seven states (Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas) offer a process for individuals with felony convictions to vote; however, there are notable barriers or exceptions that may complicate access. Three states (Florida, Mississippi, and Virginia) impose extensive limitations on voting rights for individuals with felony convictions. The scorecard underscores significant disparities between states: in Maryland, individuals with criminal convictions can register to vote as soon as they are released, while in neighboring Virginia, a felony conviction results in a lifetime ban from voting unless the governor intervenes to restore an individual’s rights.

Formerly incarcerated people deserve the right to vote in all 50 states. You have the power to build a more inclusive democracy by voting for state officials who support legislation to restore this essential right. Visit our Election 2024 page for comprehensive voter information and explore Unshackling the Vote to learn more about federal solutions to end felon disenfranchisement. Together, we can help ensure that every voice is heard.

[i] The First Step Act works to reduce incarceration at the federal level by allowing people currently incarcerated for non-violent drug charges to apply for lower sentences. The law was passed in 2018 by then-President Trump after it passed with bipartisan support in Congress.

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Who are Black youth voters today, and what do they truly value?

Today, a new generation of Black voters has emerged, one that has grown up viewing voting as a right rather than a privilege. This underscores a crucial reality: understandings of Black youth voters have not evolved in tandem with their changing relationship to the ballot box. Assumptions about this group—particularly regarding their alleged apathy or disengagement—fail to acknowledge the generational shift from fighting for voting rights to exercising those rights. Today’s Black youth are not indifferent, they just view and engage with the political landscape differently. 

Our research reveals a far more nuanced and engaged reality. Through over 100 interviews with college students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), we witnessed the depth of Black youth political perspectives. These young people seek authenticity and reliability from politicians. As one participant said, referencing Hillary Clinton’s infamous “hot sauce in my bag” moment, “Don’t tell young people you’ve got hot sauce in your bag…” Young voters demand substance over superficial political campaigning. In fact, they are acutely aware of the curated nature of online personas, recognizing that politicians can manipulate social media to project carefully constructed images of themselves. Their healthy skepticism of inauthenticity makes them less susceptible to politicians’ superficial attempts at political engagement.

The moment to engage Black youth voters is now. By shifting the messaging they hear about voting from obligation to opportunity, we can invite them to see themselves as agents of change in their communities. This begins with acknowledging that our current messaging is failing to resonate. Calls to “just vote” or “vote like your ancestors depended on it” may have resonated with previous generations, but they often fall flat with individuals who feel disconnected from that history or disillusioned by the slow pace of progress.

Instead of relying on these outdated messages, we should be asking them, “What problem will you solve with the power of your vote?” By framing civic engagement as a means to address the issues they care about most, we can ignite their passion and empower them to shape democracy. Organizations like the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation play a pivotal role in promoting civic engagement and leadership development. These institutions provide students with the essential tools and experiences to navigate the complexities of civic life, helping them develop into active participants in our democracy.

Our research findings underscore the urgent need to redefine civic engagement for a new generation. By understanding the motivations and aspirations of Black youth, we can empower them not just to vote, but to lead. Imagine a future where their voices are not just heard, but amplified, shaping policies and dismantling systemic barriers. This is the promise within reach for those of us who seek to carry the torch of civic engagement forward. Together, with continuous commitment, we can make it a reality.

Dr. Amanda Wilkerson is an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Florida, focusing on equity and excellence in higher education. A graduate of Florida A&M University, she advocates for underserved communities and has received multiple awards for her contributions to education and civic engagement.

Dr. Shalander “Shelly” Samuels is an Assistant Professor at Kean University, focusing on Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Pedagogy in the teaching of BIPOC students and the preparation of K-12 instructors.

The post The Future of Black Political Power: Why We Need to Listen to Young Voters Now appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

With just one week until the 2024 Election, anxiety is sweeping the country. Our democracy faces multiple challenges. Disinformation is rampant across social media. The January 6 insurrection following the 2020 election left millions shaken. Now, after two assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, concerns about political violence loom. But what are Black Americans’ specific concerns?

At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 53rd Annual Legislative Conference, our Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) surveyed attendees on their top concerns about the 2024 Election. The leading issues that respondents, representing over 25 states, rated as “Somewhat Concerning” or “Very Concerning” were:

These concerns underscore the perceived threats to the integrity and fairness of our electoral process. While respondents were less worried about their personal voting experiences, many were concerned about others facing intimidation or having their ballots invalidated. Many of the personal stories shared with us highlighted voter suppression efforts, such as North Carolina purging 747,000 voters from its rolls since 2023 or Georgia’s law that criminalizes providing water to voters waiting in line. However, there have also been positive updates, like judges pausing Georgia’s water restriction law for review and record early voting turnout in North Carolina despite the recent challenges posed by Hurricane Helene.

To help voters navigate this landscape, the CBCF has launched a Voting Rights Scorecard. It evaluates 15 states with the largest Black populations on criteria like early voting, voter ID laws, access to polling places, and felon disenfranchisement. Share the scorecard with your friends and family who live in states with restrictive laws, and ensure they have the tools to guarantee their voices are heard in this pivotal election.

Despite their concerns, our survey found that Black voters are ready to turn out in force. Over 95% of respondents said they had a plan to vote, with many committed to civic engagement beyond the ballot box, like driving voters to the polls or serving as poll workers. However, only 48% plan to vote early, which means many could face long lines on Election Day.

On October 29, National Vote Early Day, we urge you to vote early if your state allows. If you have already voted, encourage at least three others to do the same. Use the Calls to Action below to ensure you and your loved ones are prepared and informed to cast your ballots.

Calls to Action

• Voting Rights Toolkit: Get informed about the voting process with our comprehensive guide, offering essential information on voter registration, key deadlines, and your rights at the polls.
• Voting Rights Scorecard: See how your state measures up on voting rights and electoral access and compare it to other states in our scorecard.
• Voter Resources: Unsure of your registration status? Need to locate your polling place? Visit vote.org/cbcf for key information.
• Ballot Research: Learn about the candidates and referenda in your area at vote411.org.
• Voter Protection: If you encounter intimidation at the polls, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683). Volunteers are ready to help.
• Prepare for Election Day: If voting in person, bring snacks, water, and patience. Expect long lines but remember: if you are in line before polls close, you are permitted to vote, even after closing time.
• Combat Disinformation: If you see unverified information on social media, consult a trusted source. If it’s false, report it.

Many are understandably anxious about this election, but fear cannot stop us from exercising our democratic rights. Know your rights, use available resources, and claim your power by voting.

The post Your Vote, Your Power: Turning Election Concerns into Action appeared first on Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

ATLANTA – This weekend, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice hosted its Community Conversation to convene legislators, policymakers, activists, and community members to address the critical issues surrounding voting rights and representation in America. Recognizing the pivotal role of voting in democratic governance, the gathering discussed historical and present-day challenges and systemic barriers that have impeded marginalized communities’ access to the ballot box.

“As part of our mission to inform policy and educate the public, we established Community Conversations to tackle systemic racism through strategic partnerships and community dialogues,” said Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO of the CBCF. “Today’s Atlanta Community Conversation explores the ongoing quest for equitable voting rights and representation in America. We always aim to identify actionable solutions that address the historical and contemporary challenges disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.”

“The CBCF is in Georgia to highlight the challenges we face as we move toward the 2024 election,” said Congressman Hank Johnson. “It’s a good time to educate people about the effects of voter suppression in Georgia, and the impact it’s having on our ability to exercise our fundamental right to vote.”

Through the onsite voting and activism fair, attendees engaged with social justice and voting activists, and leaders of community organizations to discover their impactful work, gain insights into pressing issues, and explore ways to join the movement for social justice and voting rights reform. The event also featured in-depth content sessions. Highlights from the sessions included:

Unmasking Voter Suppression: Gerrymandering and the Shadow of Political Violence Against Black Communities

• In southern states like Georgia, gerrymandering and voter suppression significantly undermine Black communities’ political representation and influence, continuing a legacy of political violence and discrimination.
• “Gerrymandering undermines our democracy. It confines our power to specific districts, hindering our ability to gain the necessary support for our communities. We cannot allow elected officials to seek our votes only during election season. We need competitive races to ensure diverse representation that supports our communities’ growth and well-being. By showing up in record numbers, like in 2020 and 2022, we can make a difference and counteract any barriers. Stay engaged, think creatively, and hold our elected officials accountable. Know who’s running, understand their platforms, and demand they deliver on their promises.” – Helen Butler, Executive Director, Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda
• “Voter suppression in the form of gerrymandering is a deliberate attempt to dilute Black political power. It’s part of a broader strategy that includes the shadow of political violence against our communities. We must unmask these tactics and confront them head-on. By staying informed and mobilized, we can safeguard our voting rights and ensure that our voices are heard. Our collective strength lies in our unity and our unwavering commitment to justice and equality.” – Cliff Albright, Executive Director, Black Voters Matter

Unlocking the Ballot Box: Restoring Voting Rights Through Criminal Justice Reform

• As of 2023, only Maine, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., allow individuals with felony convictions to vote, yet by 2024, more than 5.8 million Americans—40% of whom are Black—will be disenfranchised, prompting calls for criminal justice reform and highlighting the role of voting in rehabilitation and community engagement.
• “The 14th Amendment of the Constitution says anyone born in the United States is a citizen, and that all citizens have the right to vote. Being incarcerated does not end your citizenship. Crime is just another way to ‘other’ people and to create division. I encourage everyone to join the fight by exercising your right to vote–in the name of someone else who can’t.” – Kareemah Hanifa, Lead Community Organizer, IMAN Atlanta
• “No one should ever lose their right to vote. As community organizers, we must do more than petition for policy changes; it’s also about care for the community. And we can start by changing the narrative and replacing the term “felons” with people-first language.” – John Paul Taylor, Senior Campaign Strategist-Rights Restoration, Advancement Project

Uncovering Technology’s Impact on Future Elections and Civic Engagement

• Technology and media are powerful forces shaping Black community civic engagement, enabling online activism that translates to real-world action, yet also posing challenges like misinformation, as seen in a 2020 viral video discouraging Black voting; panelists will explore technology’s dual role in influencing elections and civic participation, and strategies to combat disinformation and enhance democratic engagement.
• “The pandemic forced everyone to use social media and internet. Now, the challenge is people who weren’t typically engaged are now receiving information from sources they can’t verify. Now more than ever, the role that community organizations play in protecting against disinformation can’t be understated.” – Jeanine Abrams McLean, President, Fair Count
• “There’s misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. And we need multiple types of resources to conquer it all. From technology and policy to regulation and trusted messengers in our communities, we must use what’s available to us to fight disinformation. With the proliferation of AI, the role of trusted messengers becomes even more important to combat the spreading of bad information.” – Esosa Osa, Founder and CEO, Onyx Impact

To learn more about the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, visit cbcfinc.org.

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About CBCF

Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org. 

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WASHINGTON—The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) will host its National Town Hall meeting, “The Black Agenda for the Next Administration: What’s at Stake!”, during the 46th Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). The Town Hall meeting, held on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., convenes leaders in academia, public policy, and social justice to explore the potential implications of the presidential election on the African-American community.

“We have made great strides to create opportunities for all Americans under the nation’s first African American president, but racial disparities still exist in unemployment, education and income,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer of the CBCF. “This year’s town hall will bring together leading experts to discuss solutions that ensure African American interests are represented in a post-Obama presidency.”

“It is imperative that the African American community understand the stakes of any and all elections and that voters be engaged,” said Rep. G. K. Butterfield, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). “It is the job of every CBC member and elected official to ensure they mobilize their constituent base, so that their voices are heard and concerns addressed.”

In the 2012 presidential election, Blacks in America voted at a higher rate than other minority groups—and at a higher rate than whites, according to a Pew Research Center report. The town hall will emphasize voter mobilization and educational opportunities and the impact that the Black vote has on economic justice and criminal justice reform.

“It is urgent that we come together to discuss how to activate our voice and vote,” said Rep. Lacy Clay, ALC honorary co-chair. “We have too much at stake in this election and cannot afford to stand on the sidelines. We must get out and vote for the sake of our children.”

“This election will be decided by the people,” said Rep. Karen Bass, ALC honorary co-chair. “Our issues are America’s issues, and now more than ever, disparities in education, employment and health care cannot continue to leave our communities behind.”

Some of the nation’s most recognized thought-leaders and decision-makers scheduled to speak during the National Town Hall meeting include Dr. Julianne Malveaux, nationally recognized economist; Marc Morial, president and chief executive officer, the National Urban League; LaTanja Silvester, president, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 21-Louisiana; Brittany N. Packnett, executive director, the St. Louis, Mo. chapter for Teach for America; Jahmal Miller, deputy director, Office of Health Equity, California Department of Public Health; and Dr. Melina Abdullah, professor and chair, the Pan-African studies department at California State University. April Ryan, White House correspondent, for the American Urban Radio Networks will moderate and preside over the National Town Hall session.

“It’s important to come together and discuss the impact of anti-black, structural racism on America’s families,” said Gerry Hudson, secretary-treasurer at SEIU. “We can’t have economic justice without also winning racial justice, and we need to turn out in November to make sure we move forward, not get dragged backward as a nation,” he said.

For media registration or if you are a member of the media seeking credentials to events for reporting purposes, please visit http://bit.ly/2bGo3Dr. For regular updates about the ALC, visit cbcfinc.org/alc, sign up to receive the e-newsletter and follow the CBCF on social media. Use our hashtag, #CBCFALC16, to be a part of the conversation.

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ABOUT ALC

The Annual Legislative Conference is the leading policy conference on issues impacting African Americans and the global black community. The conference features more than 90 public policy forums on health, education, economic empowerment, the environment, and more. Signature events include the National Town Hall, Celebration of Leadership in Fine Arts, Gospel Extravaganza, Black Party, Prayer Breakfast, and the culminating event, the Phoenix Awards Dinner.

This year’s theme, “Defining the Moment. Building the Movement,” will highlight a culmination of social and political moments in American history that define the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.

Sign up to receive the e-newsletter and follow the CBCF on social media using hashtag, #CBCFALC16 for frequent updates.

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ABOUT THE CBCF

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated, established in 1976, is a non-partisan, non-profit, public policy, research and educational institute, committed to advancing the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public.

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