Washington, D.C.— With the start of early voting in Georgia for the upcoming Senate runoff elections on January 5, People For the American Way Foundation (PFAWF) today, announced a six-figure, statewide, radio ad buy and a texting program with a goal of reaching more than one million African American voters, as part of its relaunched effort to mobilize Black voters and encourage early voting.
The main message of the ads, titled “Silenced” and “Barriers,” are: “We will not be silenced. Make a plan to vote by January 5.” Listen to the ads here and here. Read the full ad scripts below.
The radio ads, which begin this week and will air through January 5, and text messaging effort is an extension of the “Defend the Black Vote” campaign that sent 10.5 million text messages to more than two million eligible voters, with a focus on Black male voters between 18 and 50, to combat voter suppression and misinformation in the 2020 election.
While this latest push focuses solely on Georgia, the previous campaign encompassed: 25 states; live tele-town halls for voters in Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina and Wisconsin; a six-figure digital and radio ad buy in South Carolina, Mississippi, Wisconsin and Georgia; and a PSA urging Black men to cast their ballots.
“We have to do everything in our power to continue mobilizing voters and inspiring people to the polls on January 5, especially Black men,” said President of People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation Ben Jealous. “So much is at stake like health care, economic relief from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and addressing the deep-rooted inequities that contribute to social and political injustice. The work we did six weeks ago is the same work that must be done now. We have to keep sprinting towards the finish line in January for our country and for our children.”
“Elections have consequences and if our communities don’t vote, the consequences could be extremely negative,” said Rev. Timothy McDonald III, pastor of the First Iconium Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, longtime PFAW Foundation board member, and founder of PFAWF’s African American Ministers Leadership Council. “When we look at the number of lives impacted this past year by the pandemic and by social unrest, we know that mobilizing our brothers and sisters is necessary to address our deepest concerns and to heal this nation. We’re excited about helping to build a better democracy with our votes. Georgians cannot and should not wait to vote.”
The text messaging program in Georgia started last week and has already reached more than 300,000 eligible Black voters. Additional work to engage both Black, Latino and Asian American voters is also underway with social media outreach and plans for virtual celebrity events.
AD TRANSCRIPTS & LINKS
Ad #1 Silenced, :30
Listen here
You may have heard that there’s a Senate runoff election coming up in January.
And after a difficult year, we know that who represents us matters.
In November, we voted in record numbers.
And this January will be no different.
Because our voices deserve to be heard on healthcare, good paying jobs and protecting our civil rights.
And because this pandemic has hurt our community the hardest, it’s important to vote.
We have the power to change the outcome of these elections and we will not be silenced. So whether it’s in person or by mail, make a plan to vote by January 5th.
Paid for by People for the American Way Foundation.
Ad #2 Barriers, :60
Listen here
We know there are those who are working to make it harder for Georgians to vote.
They think that if the lines are long we will grow weary and give up on our rights.
But that’s not the Georgia way.
In Georgia, no matter how many barriers we face, Georgians come together.
I’m Reverend Tim McDonald and I’m asking you to join me at the ballot box for the senate runoff election. Let’s vote and make our voices heard together.
Because our power is in our votes and on January 5th we have the power to be heard on healthcare, good paying jobs and protecting our civil rights.
Our community can make the difference and break through barriers again just like we did in November.
So make sure you and your family have a plan to vote safely by January 5th in the runoff election. Whether it’s by mail or in person, we must keep breaking barriers.
Paid for by People for the American Way Foundation.
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About People For the American Way Foundation
People For the American Way Foundation is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.