With the upcoming election in October, these organizations are working tirelessly to inform and empower voters, urging them to cast their ballots early and in record numbers.

One such organization, Georgia STAND-UP, recently saw a group of young men spending hours preparing care packages filled with masks, mints, and hand sanitizers for voters who may face long lines. Meanwhile, The Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda set up voter registration tables at local colleges and senior citizen buildings, with the assistance of RISE at Clark Atlanta University, where students were encouraged to register and pledge their commitment to vote.

Helen Butler, executive director of the nonpartisan Georgia Coalition for the People's Agenda, stated, "The way you combat the voter suppression techniques or the barriers that they're putting in place is having a large turnout." The organizations are not advocating for any specific political party but are instead emphasizing the importance of exercising one's right to vote.

Georgia currently finds itself in the national spotlight due to its pivotal role in the battle for the presidency. Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have both campaigned in the state, as recent polls indicate a tight race between the presidential candidates. Local activists are well aware of the state's significance, considering how Black voter turnout played a critical role in helping Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock secure victory in 2022 and President Joe Biden narrowly defeat Trump in 2020.

However, attention has also been drawn to Georgia due to recent election changes enacted by the Republican-controlled legislature. These changes, signed into law by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, include requirements for a photo ID to vote absentee by mail, a reduction in the absentee ballot request period, limitations on ballot drop boxes, and increased control over local election boards by the state legislature. Moreover, it is now considered a misdemeanor to provide food or water to voters within a certain distance from a polling site.

Voting rights advocates argue that these changes disproportionately affect Black residents, who constitute approximately 30% of Georgia's population. Supporters of the law claim that it aims to prevent voter fraud and enhance trust in the election system. However, critics, including Republicans, have criticized provisions such as requiring county investigations for even minor discrepancies between ballots cast and the number of voters in a precinct.

Grassroots organizations like RISE and Georgia STAND-UP have been at the forefront of the fight against voter suppression for years, with a renewed focus on increasing young people's political engagement. They have been actively working to provide information and resources to ensure that voters, particularly young ones, have everything they need to exercise their right to vote.

As National Voter Registration Day approaches, these organizations are ramping up their efforts to enable as many people as possible to register and participate in the upcoming elections. Canvassers are making calls, checking voter registrations, and reminding citizens to vote. Additionally, RISE is setting up voter registration stations on various campuses across the state and conducting training sessions to educate students on election rules.

The new campaign launched by Georgia STAND-UP, "Overload the Polls," encourages Black women to show up in person for early voting, starting on October 15. The organization urges them to bring family members and wear Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers, with the goal of emulating the enthusiasm and record-breaking turnout seen during Barack Obama's presidential campaign in 2008.

By engaging and mobilizing voters, grassroots organizations in Georgia are striving to counter voter suppression efforts and ensure that the voices and votes of communities of color are heard and respected. Their work exemplifies the importance of active civic participation and the ongoing fight for fair and inclusive elections.