In states like Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, the voices of poor white and Black voters have the power to drive real change—but only if they turn out at the polls. Joy-Ann Reid recently discussed how low voter turnout among Black communities and poor white voters has allowed these states to become Republican strongholds. And while the Democratic Party has historically supported policies that promote job growth and access to resources, low turnout continues to prevent lasting change in these states. Reid emphasized that low-income voters from all backgrounds are affected, as these low-turnout states receive less Democratic investment. To create a government that reflects the needs of all people, these communities must make their voices heard.
Historically, the Democratic Party has introduced policies that support job creation, affordable healthcare, and social safety nets, which help low-income voters the most. However, voter suppression laws, polling location closures, and ID restrictions in Southern states have deterred many Black voters, and white low-income communities are also affected by these restrictions. These laws are designed to make voting more difficult, and they result in lower turnout in the very communities that could benefit most from Democratic policies.
Many in the low-income white community hesitate to vote for Democrats because of fears of higher taxes. However, Democratic policies are specifically designed to ask those making over $400,000 a year to pay their fair share, not ordinary working Americans. Voting Democratic could mean more access to affordable healthcare, job programs, and education grants for poor white communities and Black communities alike.
In Louisiana, activist Gary Chambers has been sharing data daily about the early voter turnout in Black communities, which has alarmingly been as low as 10%. This low participation is also reflected in Florida and Mississippi, where Black voters are either being discouraged from voting or choosing not to show up. Southern states have faced challenges, but the Reconstruction Era proved that united Black and low-income communities can wield enormous power. Louisiana’s first Black governor, P.B.S. Pinchback, and other Black leaders during Reconstruction, such as Mississippi’s Secretary of State James Lynch, proved that political representation can lead to substantive change. Yet, over time, voter suppression tactics and intimidation have dampened this progress.
The Poor People’s Campaign, led by Dr. William Barber, is a modern movement aimed at addressing these long-standing inequalities. Dr. Barber’s campaign urges communities to come together to ensure equal access to voting, healthcare, and economic opportunities. He explains that the only way to overcome entrenched power structures is for low-income and Black communities to join forces and participate in elections.
Georgia is a recent example of what can be achieved with strong voter turnout. With consistent organizing and high turnout, Georgia now has two Democratic senators, an achievement made possible by Black, white, and low-income voters working together to bring real change. Georgia’s success demonstrates that poor and marginalized communities have the power to shift the political landscape if they are consistent in voting.
In low-turnout states, communities miss out on funding for schools, healthcare, and infrastructure. By staying home, voters leave these critical resources on the table. This is true across the board, and both Black and poor white communities suffer the consequences. Local elections directly impact services that people rely on every day, and if people don’t show up to vote, they’re effectively surrendering their voices on issues that affect their lives directly.
Reid’s warning is clear: if Black and poor white voters do not participate, they are forfeiting the opportunity to push for real change. Voting is an act of empowerment, a chance to demand representation. Every election matters, from the city council to the U.S. Senate, and every vote counts in shaping the future of the South. Change is possible when communities come together, when every voter shows up at the polls to demand a government that reflects their values.
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