On June 16, Emancipate NC Executive Director Dawn Blagrove joined advocates and community leaders at the North Carolina General Assembly to oppose legislation that would make voting more difficult for North Carolinians.
Speaking forcefully against efforts to restrict ballot access, Blagrove challenged the narrative that the proposed legislation is about election security. Instead, she emphasized its real impact on communities that already face barriers to political participation.
“This bill is not about election protection….This bill is about restricting access to the ballot and making it harder for Black people and students and working mothers and working class people to vote.”
Blagrove’s remarks highlighted a longstanding truth: efforts to limit voting access disproportionately impact Black communities, students, working families, and people who already face obstacles to civic participation. At a time when democracy depends on broad participation, policies that create additional barriers threaten the fundamental right to vote.
Emancipate NC remains committed to defending voting rights and ensuring that every eligible North Carolinian has a meaningful opportunity to participate in our democracy. We will continue to stand alongside community members and coalition partners in the fight against voter suppression, and for a more inclusive electoral system.