During the 2102 election, the Washington Bureau launched the Occupy the Vote campaign in key battleground states to ensure that those targeted by voter suppression laws would have the tools and knowledge to exercise their fundamental right to vote. This effort, along with an unprecedented effort undertaken by civil rights and social justice organizations was instrumental in the record turn-out and in ensuring that eligible voters were fully able to exercise their voting franchise.
Through Project Advocate, the Urban League was able to launch a robust field and telephone campaign that reached more than 150K individuals, with updates on voting laws, registration information and information on resources in their localities. More than 60K individuals were registered as a result of the campaign.
Since the 2012 election, the Washington Bureau has continued its voter education and civic engagement initiative through Project Advocate. The tragic decision of the Supreme Court to invalidate Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act—thereby opening the door to scores of oppressive measures across the country to disenfranchise millions of eligible voters—underscores the urgent need for Project Advocate at the state level. Through Project Advocate, the Urban League will continue to monitor developments at the state level and to keep citizens informed of their rights and engaged in the democratic process.