Time to VOTE & 5 Ways to Help on Election Day

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After nearly a year of aggressive fundraising and campaigning, Democrat Doug Jones has pulled within 3 points of his opponent in the most recent Alabama poll. Can he make this election another historic upset Tuesday Nov. 3? We think so! A savvy leader, Doug recruited a slate of first-rate candidates for state-wide offices to run as a “The Ticket for Change,” and together they have been drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Other amazing Democrats running in the 2026 Midterms:

Check out these voter guides for more information:

NOTE: Many of us are voting “NO” on the 4 amendments crafted by the Alabama legislature. Doug Jones has called for a change to our constitution that would allow voters to create petitions for ballot measures (as they do in other states) instead of only allowing politicians to craft them. We think we could do a better job!

Here are FIVE ways you can make change happen in the 2026 Midterms. It is not too late to help swing this election for progress!
1. Be a Poll Watcher on Election Day
Women for Alabama says Jefferson County NEEDS more Democrat poll watchers for the election, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Sign up here. Volunteer all day, with time off to vote, or part of the day. Once you register, you’ll receive a recording of the training, so you can prepare at home. This is a historic election for our democracy! Never has it been more important for us to have citizens watching the voting process to ensure free and fair elections!

2. Phone Bank on Election Day
Election Day Phone Banking @ HQ (Birmingham) · Doug For Alabama Get nervous on election day? Phone bank the jitters away with an awesome community of phone banking volunteers electing Doug and the Ticket for Change! Click on the link above to sign up and volunteer at the Doug Jones HQ (2717 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL, 35233) for last-minute GOTV. Doug’s HQ will open the phone bank from 9AM until 3 PM. *If you are new to phone banking, no worries. They will train you on the spot, all you have to do is show up and bring your cell phone.

3.Get Ready to Vote on Election Day
Before Tuesday, check your registration and polling place (to make sure it has not changed) by clicking here. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you’re in line at 7 p.m., stay in line. You have the right to vote. Bring: A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, non-driver ID, passport, military ID, or student ID from an Alabama college. NOTE: The address on your driver’s license does NOT have to match your voter registration, but you must A) Be on the voter rolls at that precinct and B) show a valid photo ID. If you get to the polls without an acceptable ID, you can still cast a provisional ballot, then bring your ID to the Board of Registrars by 5 p.m. the Friday after the election so it counts.

Troubleshooting 101: If you or someone is on the rolls but showing as “inactive,” ask to fill out a “reidentification form” and insist on voting with a regular ballot. If you’re not on the rolls at that polling place but know that you are registered, you have two options. 1) Find your actual polling place by clicking here. If the correct place is nearby, head over there. 2) If not, ask for a provisional ballot and vote where you are. You will need to go to your Board of Registrars by Friday and validate a provisional ballot, but make sure that you vote.

4. Protect the Vote on Election Day
Save these numbers in your phone and share them widely. If you or anyone you know is turned away, told you’re not on the rolls, or has any trouble at the polls, call before you leave the polling place.
Alabama Democrats Voter Protection Hotline: 1-833-GO-VOTE2
National Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE

5. Celebrate the Midterms with Doug & Louise Jones
Don’t miss the Election Night Watch Party to count results as they come in and party at the Sheraton in Birmingham in the same place Doug Jones celebrated in 2017, when he won his U.S. Senate race! The event will be held in the Main Ballroom at the Sheraton (2101 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203) starting at 7 p.m. Click here to RSVP.

Celebrate Your Vote Rally!

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Protest (11:00 AM – Noon)

Join us along 3rd Ave. South between 14th and 18th Streets S. and line both sides with signs, costumes and more, all designed to celebrate and protect our ability to vote. Find an open spot any time between 11:00 and noon. Stay as long as you like. You don’t need to stay the full hour. Let’s be visible in the community! Make your own sign, or borrow one of ours.

Rally (11:30 AM – 2:00 PM)

Stations in Railroad Park will cover Preparing to Vote, Get Out the Vote and Protecting the Vote. Co-sponsor organizations will also be there with plenty of helpful information.

Before you come

  • Going straight to the rally: That’s fine. The protest isn’t required. Gates open at 11:30 AM.
  • Getting there: The park is on 1st Ave. S., between 14th and 18th Streets S., two blocks north of the protest.
  • Arrive early: Gates open at 11:30 AM and the program starts at noon.
  • Dress for the sun: There is little shade during the warmest part of the day. Wear sunscreen, a hat and lightweight clothing.
  • Seating: Some metal chairs may be available. A lightweight camping chair is more comfortable.
  • Ending time: We must clear the paved plaza at 2:00 PM so vehicles can load equipment.
  • Safety: We are committed to nonviolent action. No weapons of any kind are allowed. Marshals and medics in yellow vests will be throughout the rally.

Please spread the word! Bring friends and family of all ages, signs and costumes, and be ready to have fun. Thank you so much for helping us make history!

Register for the rally here!

Save Alabama Public Television Postcarding Party, 9/13

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Join HIVE Alabama and MAD? Make a Difference Sunday, Sept. 13, at Cahaba Brewing Co. in Birmingham, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., for 1) a strategic post-card party and 2) an empowering GOTV event.

ELMO IS NOT THE ENEMY: SAVE ALABAMA PUBLIC TELEVISION

First, we are hosting “Elmo is not the enemy,” a postcarding party to save Alabama Public Television (APT) as we know it. Can’t make it? Drop by to pick up postcards, or email/message us to arrange pickup. Just sign them, add your town, zip code, address and mail them by Sept. 21 (3 per person, only takes 5 minutes!) We will have instructions. Pick up extras for friends & have another party. NOTE: This may be our last chance to keep Alabama politicians from moving to separate from the Public Broadcasting Service and effectively killing APT – the first educational television channel in the nation!

PLUS, HOW YOU CAN BOOST GOTV IN ALABAMA IN 2026

Can one person boost turn out in the 2026 election? Yes! And that person can be you. At this same session, we will hear from a local voter group, We HEART the VOTE!, that is helping other voters learn to boost turnout for the 2026 Midterm elections Nov. 3. Its mission is two-fold: Show voters how to 1) register eligible new voters or re-register voters who may have moved (only takes 5 minutes with a QR code card and an AL driver’s license) AND 2) check their voter status to make sure that they are active (takes even less time, about 3 minutes) and re-register, if necessary.

Why is it critical for all of us to reframe the process of “register to vote” as “register/checkstatus/re-register”, and share this information with friends, neighbors and family members?

Many voters do not know that Alabama regularly labels registered voters “inactive” if they have not voted in the last two elections (four years), if the state thinks they have moved, or, for some reason, it suddenly sees them as disqualified. Purging is part of routine maintenance, but it has been abused. In 2024, Alabama was found to have violated federal law by purging alleged noncitizens, including 2,000 eligible U.S. citizen voters. In today’s political environment, all voters must be pro-active on all fronts of voting rights!

CD-6 Democrat Primary Candidate Forum on July 21st!

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In Alabama Congressional District 6, four Democrat candidates are vying for the party nomination on August 11 to challenge the unpopular incumbent, Trump Republican Rep. Gary Palmer. Join us on Tuesday, July 21st at 6 p.m. in the Round Auditorium at the Homewood Public Library (1721 Oxmoor Rd,35209) for a CD-6 democrat candidate forum. All candidates have been invited, and Wayne Rogers, Democrat nominee for Secretary of State, will moderate. Early absentee voting has already started. Don’t miss this chance to meet these candidates and make the best choice! Click here for more info.

A Conversation with Doug Jones

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DON’T MISS the chance to get to know the Democratic nominee for governor, Doug Jones, as we talk with him on Tuesday, June 9th, 6-8 p.m. at the Homewood Library (1721 Oxmoor Rd, 35209) about his “Ticket for Change,” a leadership strategy he says has not been tried here in 20+ years. Wayne Rogers, Democratic nominee for Alabama Secretary of State, will pose questions from us and the audience during an informal event. You will have a chance to meet the future governor and other change agents in your community, get yard signs, buttons, and swag, sign up to volunteer, and, yes, donate. Mark your calendars now!

This may be the most important statewide election in your children’s lifetime. Find out why Doug for Alabama truly believes our state can vote to move forward, not backward, on November 3. Thank you, Hoover Democrats, Vestavia Democrats, Democratic citizens of Trussville, H.I.V.E. Alabama, and MAD?Make A Difference for helping North Jeffco Dems host this forum.

Just Sing – Sunday, 5/17

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Just Sing Birmingham is bringing folks together through the power of music at a time where we need connection more than ever. Gather with us to join our voices and simply sing together songs of resilience, resistance, hope and joy. No musical experience is needed at all and all ages are welcome! Our first event will feature some songs from the Singing Resistance movement as well as some well-loved standards from decades past led by special guests. For more information and to stay up to date with our events, join our GroupMe here!  

2026 Alabama Legislative Review

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Join us! HIVE Alabama and MAD? Make a Difference will host our sixth annual virtual Alabama Legislative Review Tuesday, April 7th, from 12 to 1 p.m.

As with our previous reviews, our panel will be via a Noon Zoom. Speakers have 5-7 minutes to cover their organization’s highlights/lowlights of the 2026 session.

Speakers include:
* Paula Wilson, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, Alabama
* Krysti Shallenberger, Read Freely Alabama
* Kim Bailey, League of Women Voters, Alabama
* Jennifer Harris, Alabama Arise
* Marva Douglas, Action Coalition for Transit, Alabama
* Charles Miller, Alabama Rivers Alliance
* Elaine Burdeshaw, Alabama Appleseed
* Stephanie Butler, Religion in AL Schools 2026

Don’t miss it! Register today!

Let Lawmakers Hear From You!

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Does this bill make our lives better? Just 30 calls make a difference in Montgomery!

Here is a list of some of the bills we are following. You can check a bill’s status at the state’s Alison website. To pursue a special interest, sign up for emails from/follow social media of leading non-profits who are lobbying, tracking bills, and sending out alerts, including: Action Coalition for Transit, ACLU of Alabama, Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice, Alabama Appleseed, Alabama Arise, Alabama Rivers Alliance, League of Women Voters of Alabama, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in Alabama, and Read Freely Alabama. 

To get ready to call, find out the names/cell numbers of your lawmakers by entering your address here. Save all politicians in your phone as “Politician (first name) (last name)” for ease of searching. If calling on a bill below, click on the bill number and check the text to see if your state senator/representative is a sponsor. NOTE: Alabama Arise sends out a regular Legislative Update at the first of each week with news and action items. League of Women Voters offers “Take Action Tuesdays” email alerts on Alabama bills, and Rebecca Rothman’s Rapid Response protest team leads a Daily Action Calling effort with Wednesdays devoted to action in Montgomery.

VOTE YES
Vote YES: HB14 Give Alabamians the Power to Create Ballot Measures; Constitutional Amendmen
Vote YES: HB45 Allow Designated Delivery of Disabled Voters’ Absentee Ballot Application & Ballot
Vote YES: HB54 Keep Babies and New Mothers out of Jail
Vote YES: HB76 Abolish the Death Penalty Altogether; Constitutional Amendment
Vote YES: HB128 Allow State Board of Midwifery to Accept Gifts/Grants for Better Maternal Health
Vote YES: HB270 Allow Early Voting In-person in General & Special Elections
Vote YES: SB24 Help Formerly Incarcerated People Regain their Voting Rights
Vote YES: SB51 Recognize Right to Use Contraception, Dispense Contraceptive Devices/Information

VOTE NO
Vote NO: HB8 Allow “Volunteer Campus Chaplains” (w/no training) in Public K-12 Schools
Vote NO: HB13 Weaponize State Data, Support Local ICE Raids, Racially Profile & Arrest
Vote NO: HB41 Risk Trauma to Child Victims of Sexual Assault byExpanding Death Penalty
Vote NO: HB43 Require Daily Pledge/Moment of Silence/Prayer; Constitutional Amendment
Vote NO: HB162 /SB71 Cede Rights to Protect Alabama Water/Air Quality to Federal Government 
Vote NO: HB216 /SB99 Require Ten Commandments be Posted in K5-12 Public Schools
Vote NO: SB26 Politicize Control of Public Library Boards to Decrease Community Independenc
Vote NO SB27: Politicize Control of Board of Trustees that Provides Oversight of the State Archives
Vote NO: SB61 Overregulate SNAP/Medicaid, Raise State Costs, Depriving the Needy of Both

Show Up for Alabama Public Television!

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Do You care about the future of Alabama Public Television? PLEASE SHOW UP in Birmingham on January 20th!

On November 18, the Alabama Educational Television Commission (AETC), which controls Alabama Public Television (APT), voted to pay for Public Broadcasting System (PBS) programming through June 2026. At this time, it’s unknown whether the Commission will vote to continue supporting the relationship between APT and PBS, or if it will attempt to sever it in July, as some members have proposed. 

That’s why we need to FILL THE ROOM with APT supporters when the AETC holds its next meeting in Birmingham.

NOTE: The conference room will hold about 50 audience members, and it’s unknown whether the public will have an opportunity to speak. We also don’t know precisely what issues will be raised at this or any meeting of the AETC. We do know that filling the conference room with APT supporters had the intended effect on November 18. 

Here are the details:
When: 10 am, Tuesday, January 20th
Where: Alabama Public Television offices, 2112 11th Avenue South, Suite 400, Birmingham, AL 35205

We hope to see you there. Please share this information with your contacts! 

Save the Date: 2026 Legislative Preview

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Next year is an important election year for all major state offices in Alabama, plus Congressional representatives and a U.S. Senator. Lawmakers in Montgomery will be focused on state issues but viewing them through a national political lens. What could go wrong?

You guessed it. That’s why we plan to be on the job. Join HIVE Alabama and MAD? Make a Difference for our sixth annual virtual Alabama Legislative Preview on Tuesday, January, 13th at noon. Click here to pre-register.

Our Zoom Preview is on the first day of the 2026 Alabama legislative session, which runs January 13th – April 20th. Our speakers will highlight their group’s efforts, priorities, “bills to watch,” and how you can get involved to make a difference. Don’t miss this chance to hear from so many amazing organizations in one panel!
1. Rebecca Rothman, Rapid Action Team
2. Paula Wilson, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, Alabama
3. Krysti Shallenberger, Read Freely Alabama
4. Kim Bailey, League of Women Voters, Alabama
5. Jennifer Harris, Alabama Arise
6. Marva Douglas, Action Coalition for Transit, Alabama
7. Charles Miller, Alabama Rivers Alliance
8. Elaine Burdeshaw, Alabama Appleseed