"Great art is not a matter of presenting one side or another, but presenting a picture so full of the contradictions, tragedies, [and] insights of the period that the impact is at once disturbing and satisfying."

~ Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray
Durham-Native Civil Rights Lawyer, Activist, Author

Young Southern Voting Power

Extreme North Carolina lawmakers have shown us, time and time again, that they are willing to leave us behind in service of their own political power. This includes depriving people of the right to vote (link), restricting bodily autonomy — including stripping access to life-saving reproductive and gender affirming care —allowing continued violence toward immigrant communities, and cutting taxes for corporations. At the same time, North Carolinians struggle to afford daily needs. Lawmakers’ flawed decision-making reduces quality of life for all North Carolinians. 

Lawmakers have become very comfortable with passing laws that serve their antidemocratic interests. Young people like you are fed up with always settling for the bare minimum, at best. Now more than ever, we must leverage the immense power of voting—one of the quickest ways to bring about change—to show our lawmakers who we want to represent our North Carolina communities. To that end, feel free to use the following questions as a guide to help shape your submissions: 

• What does voting in the South mean to you? 

• How do you leverage your power as a young, Southern person? 

• What do you hope lawmakers know about your generation? 

• In what ways do your political actions now shape your future? 

Of course, there are many other ways to show your dissatisfaction with the state of our State. Below are some ways we encourage you to get involved in helping bring real change to North Carolina. 

1. Vote: Vote for people who care about your community. Vote to bring people in, not leave them behind. Learn more about voting in North Carolina here. 

2. Volunteer: Investing your time and energy by volunteering with organizations is a fantastic way to support movements that impact local and statewide strategies. Here at the ACLU of NC, we are always looking for more volunteers, and we’d love to connect with you! If you’re interested in learning more, please fill out this form.  

3. Find a political home: Engaging with political organizations, community groups, or people that align with your political values and goals can increase power and momentum throughout the State while also making you feel less helpless or alone. 

4. Join a group: Maybe it’s a Banned Book reading group, maybe it’s a craft club or a kickball league. Whatever it is, find ways to connect more intentionally with community. 

5. Come to our Interdependence Day celebration: On Friday, June 26, 2026, from 4- 8 PM, we will be celebrating each other and our interconnectedness. Come out, listen to some music, do some crafts, and have fun! Learn more here. 

Voting is not the end-all, be-all of change, but it is a necessary piece that was hard-won by, and for, countless people in our State. By voting, holding elected representatives accountable, and investing in our communities, we can strive toward a North Carolina we all deserve.