Get Loud Arkansas, a nonprofit organization founded by former state senator Joyce Elliott, is on a mission to enhance voter registration and empower underrepresented communities in Arkansas. The organization is actively challenging outdated voting laws that they believe suppress voter participation, particularly among youth and minority groups.
Key Takeaways
- Get Loud Arkansas focuses on increasing voter registration among youth and minorities.
- The organization is challenging laws that limit electronic signatures on voter registration forms.
- Arkansas has one of the lowest voter registration rates in the nation, with significant disparities between age groups.
- Get Loud Arkansas has launched initiatives to engage young voters and educate them about the voting process.
The Mission of Get Loud Arkansas
Founded by Joyce Elliott, Get Loud Arkansas aims to combat the historical disenfranchisement of voters in the state. With Arkansas ranking last in political participation, the organization is dedicated to changing the narrative by empowering young and minority voters to engage in the electoral process.
Challenging Inequitable Laws
One of the primary focuses of Get Loud Arkansas is to challenge the state’s wet signature law, which restricts the use of electronic signatures for voter registration. In June, the organization, alongside Vote.org and individual plaintiffs, filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State John Thurston and county clerks, arguing that the law perpetuates discriminatory practices reminiscent of those addressed in the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Joyce Elliott has been vocal about the need to dismantle barriers to voting, stating, "We will face down any act of suppression that creates roadblocks to the fundamental right to vote. Generational disenfranchisement must be relegated to the past, where it belongs."
Engaging Young Voters
Get Loud Arkansas has implemented several initiatives aimed at increasing youth engagement in the electoral process. These include:
- Generation Democracy: An award program recognizing high schools that achieve over 80% voter registration among eligible students.
- Story Time With Joyce: A program where Elliott reads books about voting and civic engagement to inspire younger audiences.
The organization’s website serves as a valuable resource for young voters, providing information on registration, polling locations, and voting procedures. It includes an interactive “Voter Purge Search” tool, allowing individuals to check their registration status and understand the implications of being purged from voter rolls.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite facing challenges, including Joyce Elliott’s health issues earlier this year, Get Loud Arkansas continues to mobilize efforts across the state. The organization is committed to advocating for cultural awareness and providing multilingual resources to ensure that all Arkansans can participate in elections.
On October 29, the organization shared a message of encouragement on social media, urging Arkansans to vote and reminding them of the importance of their participation in democracy.
Conclusion
Get Loud Arkansas exemplifies the power of grassroots activism in the fight for equitable voting rights. By focusing on education, engagement, and legal challenges, the organization is paving the way for a more inclusive electoral process in Arkansas, ensuring that every voice is heard and every vote counts.
