Tag: Black Voters

Black people fought too hard for the right to vote to sit on the sidelines when it comes to running elections. Now, ahead of the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, the effort to recruit more Black poll workers is a critical part of ensuring our communities have a hand in the democratic process.

For Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, Black history isn't just a lesson—it's the playbook for saving American democracy. In the debut episode of The Root's "What's Popular?" El-Sayed tells publisher Ashley Allison that expanding democracy requires channeling the same spirit of Black organizers who fought to broaden America's promise for everyone. Reflecting on his own roots, the public health advocate highlights how Civil Rights activism directly paved the way for immigrants like his father, urging voters to choose a big-hearted vision of the country over small-minded division.

Friday marks National Black Voter Day, a moment to mobilize Black voters as the country heads toward the midterm elections. It's also a time to shine a spotlight on the issues Black voters should be watching that could make it more difficult to cast their vote. This year, that includes battles over congressional maps, changes to mail-in voting and questions surrounding the role of federal law enforcement in elections.

Black voters are a key constituency heading into the 2026 midterms, but reaching voters is a major challenge. The Congressional Black Caucus Institute announced SO VOTE, a civic participation initiative aimed at mobilizing low-propensity and rural Black voters through community outreach, partnerships and digital engagement. The multimillion-dollar initiative will build on proven voter-mobilization strategies while testing new approaches, investing in local organizations and connecting with folks through HBCU campuses, neighborhood cookouts and social media.