politics

Stacey Abrams' campaign received another win in the battle against voter suppression on Tuesday when a judge ruled Georgia's secretary of state must delay its certification of election results, The Washington Post reports. In a separate ruling, a second judge ruled Gwinnett County absentee ballots with incorrect or missing birthdates must be counted.The initial deadline for Georgia to certify its votes was Tuesday at 5 p.m. However, according to The New York Times, a federal judge has ruled the results cannot be certified until Friday at the earliest.Federal District Court Judge Amy Totenberg cited concerns over how the state handled provisional ballots and its voter registration system."[Management of voting and registration] suggests the secretary’s foregoing of its responsibility to confirm the accuracy of the results prior to final certification, including the assessment of whether serious provisional balloting count issues have been consistently and properly handled," Totenberg said. Abrams' campaign lauded the ruling. The Spelman graduate hopes to trigger a recount of her state's ballots, if not an outright runoff. Her campaign believes she needs just 20,000 votes for a runoff and 18,000 for a full recount. Her Republican rival, Brian Kemp, has already declared victory in the gubernatorial race. “The rulings from last night and this morning were wins for Georgians' fundamental right — the right to cast a ballot," Abrams' campaign manager Lauren Groh-Wargo said in a statement according to The Washington Post. "Given the confusion sowed by the secretary of state’s office last week and the number of voters who experienced irregularities regarding their registration status, these victories were necessary steps in the fight to count every eligible vote in Georgia.”Kemp's camp pushed back against that narrative."While Democrats attempt to undermine Brian Kemp’s convincing victory seven days ago, we remain confident in the local elections officials who are certifying the results,” noted Brian Kemp spokesperson Ryan Mahoney on Monday morning before the judge's ruling. Kemp's campaign did not immediately comment after the ruling. As we previously reported, Kemp recently resigned from his post as Georgia's secretary of state in hopes of beginning his transition to the role of governor. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, new Secretary of State Robyn Crittenden ordered county election officials to count absentee ballots with identity verification, even if they don't have a voter's date of birth ahead of Tuesday's rulings. “What is required is the signature of the voter and any additional information needed for the county election official to verify the identity of the voter,” Crittenden wrote in her memo to officials. “Therefore, an election official does not violate [state law] when they accept an absentee ballot despite the omission of a day and month of birth ... if the election official can verify the identity of the voter.”In a separate ruling that could affect the "additional information" officials can use to verify identity, another federal judge ruled on Tuesday that Gwinnett County officials must accept absentee ballots with missing or incorrect birthdates. The ruling is expected to affect roughly 1,000 votes.Results are expected on the Georgia Secretary of State website per Judge Totenberg's order.Now, check these out: Judge Rules Brian Kemp Must Allow Georgians Flagged As ‘Noncitizens’ To Vote Days Before ElectionStacey Abrams’ Camp Tells Kemp To Worry About His ‘Racist’ Following After He Drags Her Black Panther SupportersOver 2 Million Georgia Residents Cast Early Votes For The 2018 Midterm...

Many celebrities stepped out of their usual roles as entertainers to get politically involved in the campaigns of prominent candidates during the 2018 midterm elections.It is often thought that celebrities have no place in politics, for fear of mixing the two worlds. Some may even believe that having celebrities involved in politics can become an unfair advantage for the candidates they endorse, due to the expansive visibility they can achieve. However, their influence and ability to bring a candidate's presence to the awareness of their audience is something that is important for outreach and political engagement. It helps to catch the attention of undecided voters, who may be skeptical to put their trust in a person they aren’t too familiar with. Celebrity endorsements can work to encourage fans who also happen to be apathetic voters to participate in the voting process.Although celebrities have been endorsing political candidates for years, this election was one for the books, as the number of Black celebrities contributing to candidates' political campaigns was plenty. From throwing rallies to donating funds, these Black celebrities created a significant impact on the campaign trail, especially for candidates whose win would also constitute as a historic first. Leveraging their fan base can be a difficult decision for celebrities to make, as they risk potentially alienating fans by shifting their brands to dive into the real-world issues that are also tackled by the candidates they endorse. However, because they believe in these candidates so much, they’re willing to put their influence on the line and use their power for political good.Here are 10 Black celebrities who were politically engaged in this year’s midterm elections:1. Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey made her way down to Georgia to campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Winfrey reportedly pursued Abrams’ phone number and personally offered her public support. She even went as far as knocking on doors to tell people to vote for Abrams.Winfrey, who previously shut down speculation that she would run against Trump in 2020, has been long seen as a political active figure. Winfrey's public endorsement of Abrams — which she also did former President Barack Obama — highlights how undeniably powerful and influential the mogul is. Her selective use of this power on behalf of particular politicians speaks to the quality of the candidates she’s willing to publicly align herself with.  2. BeyoncéQueen Bey has been taking baby steps to get more politically involved. Beyoncé recently made headlines when she made the last-minute decision to share her support of Beto O’Rourke, the Democratic candidate for senator of Texas, via her Instagram.I’m feeling grateful for everyone before me who fought so hard to give us all the right to have a voice. We can’t voice our frustrations and complain about what’s wrong without voting and exercising our power to make it right. We need you. We all need each other, because when we are truly united we are unstoppable. Sending you all love and positivity on this happy voting day! Every vote counts Every race matters Everywhere.A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Nov 6, 2018 at 2:08pm PSTHowever, many criticized Beyoncé for getting involved in the political game quite late, even blaming her for O’Rourke’s loss in the election. This sort of situation exemplifies one of the reasons why many celebrities are hesitant to use their influence for political gain. Beyonce’s political power has been subtle, but it’s clear that her activism encourages her fans to get more involved in the democratic process, in addition to giving haters more to be mad about.3. RihannaThe pop star threw her endorsement behind gubernatorial nominees Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum, sharing her support for both candidates on her social media pages. She published her endorsement of Abrams on Twitter, calling her “an inspiration to women across the world.”GEORGIA: I’m sure you already know, but incase you’re still wondering... it’s all about @StaceyAbrams for Governor! Stacey is an inspiration to women across the world!!! We need everyone in Georgia to Vote TODAY! It’s going to take all of us to do the work! EVERY. VOTE. MATTERS! pic.twitter.com/vPOoM2nuV8— Rihanna (@rihanna) November 6, 2018Likewise, in an Instagram post, RiRi encouraged followers voting in Florida to #BringItHome and vote for Gillum.FLORIDA: You have the opportunity to make history this election. The US has only had four black Governors in its entire history, and we can help make #AndrewGillum the next one and Florida’s first! If you’re tired of feeling like you don’t matter in the political process, know the most important thing you can do in supporting a candidate is finding someone who will take on critical issues such as: making minimum wage a livable wage, paying teachers what their worth, ensuring criminal justice reform, making healthcare a right, and repealing Stand Your Ground. That’s a platform we MUST support. Let’s #bringithome, Florida. Vote @andrewgillum. And VOTE YES on Amendment 4 to restore voting rights to folks who have already paid their debt to society. VOTE on November 6th!A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Nov 4, 2018 at 11:29am PSTRihanna has recently become more active, in terms of using her platform to declare her stance on political and social justice issues. She even refused to perform at the Super Bowl LIII, in of support for Colin Kaepernick. It's clear that Rihanna is quickly developing her political voice within her celebrity presence, and doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to quit.4. DiddyThe hip-hop mogul went above and beyond, throwing a rally/concert for Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum at Florida A&M University, the candidate’s alma mater.YouTube | Andrew GillumThe rally was attended by many of Diddy’s celebrity friends, including DJ Khaled and Tiffany Haddish.In an endorsement video released by Gillum’s team, Diddy said that Gillum is “running a campaign for the people.”YouTube | Andrew Gillum“I’ve spoken with him at length. I believe in him — his ideas, his focus, what he stands for,” the Bad Boy Records founder continued.Diddy also emphasized that Gillum’s Blackness isn’t the sole criteria for his endorsement, rather it’s Gillum’s qualification for governorship that inspired his support. As one of the richest celebrities in the business, Diddy’s innumerable connections most likely helped broaden Gillum’s appeal to young voters.5. John LegendHonored to spend some time yesterday with @JohnLegend, who is working to change the national conversation about criminal justice reform. pic.twitter.com/jIAYTyufvq— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) April 27, 2018The award-winning singer visited many college campuses throughout Atlanta to encourage students to vote for Abrams. During this tour, he specifically noted Abrams’ plans if elected, including working on a new student loan system. Additionally, Legend headlined a fundraiser concert in support of Abrams in Atlanta.Legend has consistently showed up to support candidates in politics, and has managed to remain commercially successful throughout the years, even nailing the coveted EGOT — winning an Emmy, Tony, Oscar and Grammy.In an interview with CNBC, Legend acknowledged the risks that come with being a celebrity and being politically active. “It’s probably alienating some people, and I understand that. But I think it’s worth the risk for me, because I care enough about these issues that I cannot just be silent,” Legend said.Setting an example for other celebrities, Legend’s political and professional pursuits proves that celebrities don’t have to choose between maintaining their careers and popularity and being honest about their political preferences — they can have both.6. Dave ChappelleComedian Dave Chappelle canvassed for Ben Jealous, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Maryland.Thrilled to visit Morgan State’s Homecoming Celebration with my god brother Dave Chappelle! Together we’re going to ensure we turnout more than 1 million Democrats this November.A post shared by Benjamin Todd Jealous (@benjealous) on Oct 6, 2018 at 2:45pm PDTChappelle has been one of the biggest celebrity endorsers behind Jealous' campaign.The two met through their parents, who are longtime friends.Another message from my godbrother, Dave Chappelle: Maryland...Stand firm... Make your voice heard! #maryland #yourvotematters #hiphopstandup #makethegovernorjealous #benjealous #davechappelleA post shared by Benjamin Todd Jealous (@benjealous) on Nov 6, 2018 at 2:23pm PSTNot many celebrities can say they know the candidates they endorse on a personal level. However, Chappelle is the exception and doesn’t hide from the power of their connection.8. Gabrielle UnionGabrielle Union was one of the earliest supporters of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, tweeting in support of his campaign throughout the entirety of the race for governor in Florida.This is the man I'll be voting for. Join me Florida! https://t.co/NDKhDdB64k— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) August 26, 2018The actress even went as far as sharing that she voted early for Gillum with her Twitter followers. Proud early voter for @AndrewGillum FLORIDA PLEASE VOTE! #BringItHome https://t.co/ZqsiAGCabA— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) November 1, 2018 The fact that Union is representing her status as a registered Florida voter while boldly proclaiming which candidate she endorses speaks volumes. It is a big deal to see a celebrity endorse the particular person they believe is the right fit to run the state in which they reside. 9. Janelle Monáe The singer has been an active supporter of Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, consistently writing Instagram and Twitter posts encouraging Georgians to vote for her.Georgia . Let’s get rid of the abuser of power Brian Kemp and stay on the right side of history and elect #StaceyAbrams . https://t.co/8czPNP7FOz— Janelle Monáe, Cindi (@JanelleMonae) November 1, 2018Interestingly enough, when Monáe visited Spelman College as part of an initiative to inspire young voters to exercise their right to vote, she reportedly did not mention which specific candidates she endorsed. However, who she supported remained evident on social media. Monáe’s comfort with using social media to share her voice rather than during in-person appearances is a tactic some celebrities utilize to protect themselves and stay in their comfort zones. But Monáe’s active voice on social media is still a political move that counts.10.Tyler PerryThis filmmaker and producer went a different route than most celebrity endorsers this year, reportedly donating $100,000 to Gillum’s campaign. Oftentimes, celebrities used their social media presence to endorse a candidate, but rarely ever show support through monetary means. Perry’s endorsement and generous contribution is a step in the right direction.It is still inconclusive whether the influence and power of Black celebrities is enough to help political candidates win their elections. However, the fact that they tried to bring attention to people they believe in is another reminder that celebrities are human beings, who have thoughts and opinions outside of their own industry.Now check these out:John Legend Is All Of Us After Trump's Disastrous Press Conference5 Lessons We Learned From Losses On Election Night And What It Means For 2020Jemele Hill Says Florida Officials Told Her She Couldn't Vote Because Of A...

Several people, including state Senator Nikema Williams (D-Atlanta), were arrested at Georgia's Capitol Tuesday following a protest organized by a chapter of Black Lives Matter, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.Around 100 people attended the protest, which was called to pressure lawmakers into ensuring all provisional and absentee ballots turned in during the midterm elections are counted. The rally was peaceful with the demonstrators merely chanting, "Count every vote."A close midterm election has made provisional and absentee ballots key to tallying up the state's new governor. Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams has filed lawsuits to ensure every vote is counted. Republican candidate Brian Kemp believes he is the winner of the race.Law enforcement officials began making arrests when members of the House started to arrive for a special session aimed at finding solutions for hurricane recovery. According to WSB Atlanta, the protesters were told chanting is not allowed while lawmakers are in session.Williams maintains she and the other protesters did nothing wrong. “I was not yelling. I was not chanting,” Williams said while in handcuffs. “I stood peacefully next to my constituents because they wanted their voices to be heard, and now I’m being arrested.”#Breaking: Police arrested state Senator Nikema Williams during rally at the Capitol demanding every vote be counted. #gapol #Atlanta #Georgia pic.twitter.com/GgOsBlykcV— Adam Murphy (@MurphyCBS46) November 13, 2018The senator added, "The Senate convened at 10:00 a.m. this morning. I’ve been here since 9:00 a.m., and because I didn’t leave the floor when they said everyone was dispersed I’m being arrested.”Williams and dozens of other protesters were taken into custody at the Fulton County jail. Georgia mandates lawmakers not be arrested while the general assembly is in session; the only time the law does not apply is when a lawmaker has committed a felony or a breach of the peace. Because of this, many of Williams' colleagues were critical of her arrest.State Senator Nathan Orrock of Atlanta (D) argued the arrests were an attack on the First Amendment.“When a sitting senator, who is the vice chair of the state Democratic Party, is thrown into a paddy wagon at the state Capitol it is a stark reminder that our right to freely assemble is at risk,” he said.  You can check out footage of the protest for yourself below: Now, check these out:I Was Arrested For Protesting Brett Kavanaugh -- Here's Why I'm Prepared To Do It AgainRepublicans To Retain Control Of Senate As Democrats Projected To Gain Power Of The HouseBlack Senator Who Had Cops Called On Him Proposes Legislation That Could Make White Folks Put Their Phones...

President Donald Trump has been called many things: a bully, a great businessman, Agent Orange. Rarely has the commander-in-chief been called cute.Someone out there, however, felt Trump was cute enough to make a good teddy bear, and thus we have the Trumpy Bear, a children's toy which can be yours for just two easy payments of $19.95 (yes, really).  In a move sure to be a hit with extra patriotic folks, the Trumpy Bear comes with an American flag-themed blanket. Oh, and the bear was born on Flag Day (June 14), and each is shipped with a certificate of authenticity.The teddy-in-chief was met on Twitter first with shock and awe, which was soon followed by derision: I can't believe this commercial that just ran on Fox News is for real pic.twitter.com/gGInt8BKhp— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 12, 2018Should've looked like this: pic.twitter.com/5v7we29yXv— ➖Dustin Miller➖ (@spdustin) November 13, 2018If you're buying a #TrumpyBear, be sure to get the deluxe version. pic.twitter.com/LsyLK7sEun— 🌊 Cyndia BLUE "Unstable Genius" (@malinablue) November 13, 2018Isn’t that massively disrespectful to the flag?! Or just when anyone else does it?— Iron Mark (@markthomson) November 13, 2018pic.twitter.com/3MmbcAAdXR— dj sunnyeggz (@YeahSkoraYeah) November 13, 2018Maybe a Kanye MAGA hat bear will be next.Now, check these out: 76 Percent Of Black Millennials Now Disapprove Of President TrumpDonald Trump Can't Seem To Stop Thinking About April RyanTa-Nehisi Coates Reads All The Receipts Proving Donald Trump Just Might Be A White...

Michelle Obama is knee-deep into her book tour. Promoting her highly anticipated memoir Becoming, our "forever FLOTUS" recently spoke with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America about not just her book, but who she thinks ought to run for president in 2020.According to The Hill, Obama answered a question about the next presidential race with a joking jab at President Donald Trump. “At this point, everybody is qualified, and everyone should run,” the former first lady said.Who's her No. 1 pick? Sasha Obama.“Sasha, you’ve got some free time. I think you’d do a great job,” Mrs. Obama told her daughter with a laugh.Sure, Sasha would be much too young to run for president in 2020, but who knows what will happen between then and now, right?Mrs. Obama also talked about her disappointment in the large group of women who decided to choose Trump over Hillary Clinton even after his offensive "grab them by the p***y" comments were made public, according to Time, with 53 percent of white women voting for Trump, Vox reports.  "I implored people to focus and to think about what it takes to be commander-in-chief," Obama said of the time after those vulgar comments surfaced. "It's amazing to me that we still have to tell people about the importance of voting."Although she got serious about voting, the Democratic kingmaker chose not to endorse a candidate in the Democratic primary for 2020. Instead, she had a word of advice for those contemplating a run. “Anybody who feels the passion to get in this race, we need them in there. And I think that process will play itself out,” she said.Now, check these out: Michelle Obama Announces 10-City ‘Becoming’ Book Tour And She May Be Headed To A Hood Near YouMichelle Obama Reveals Book Cover For Her Memoir 'Becoming' And It Couldn't Be More FlawlessMichelle Obama Gets Candid About Trying To Please Fashion Critics As The First Black...

Update (November 13, 2018): Mississippi GOP Senate candidate Cindy Hyde-Smith took questions after an appearance with her state's Republican governor Monday, and was asked repeatedly about her "public hanging" joke, CNN reports.Each time a journalist asked Hyde-Smith about her words, the candidate referred them to her weekend statement in which she called her joke about being in the front row of a public hanging "an exaggerated expression of regard.""I put out a statement yesterday and we stand by that statement," the GOP hopeful told a reporter Monday before telling another who asked a similar question, "We put out the statement yesterday and it's available and we stand by that statement."Three other reporters tried to get clarity on Hyde-Smith's feelings on her joke, and each of them were met with much the same words.In today’s press conference receiving an endorsement from the National Right to Life President, @SenHydeSmith was only asked questions regarding her statement on “public hangings” this is what she and Gov. @PhilBryantMS had to say: #mssen #mselex pic.twitter.com/HuFZlNlq34— Yall Politics (@MSyallpolitics) November 12, 2018Another journalist addressed the governor, Phil Bryant, and asked him what he thought about the issue."She's certainly addressing the fact that she put out a statement," Bryant said.Mike Espy, Hyde-Smith's Democratic opponent, appeared on MSNBC Monday and continued to denounce both her joke and her statement defending it.“I have to confess to you, I’ve never heard that kind of colloquialism,” Espy said. "I can’t reach into her heart and determine why that came out of her mouth, but it was wrong.”Original: Mississippi GOP Senate candidate Cindy Hyde-Smith refuses to apologize after being heavily criticized for making a joke about lynching.Hyde-Smith was speaking to a group of supporters on November 2 after cattle rancher Colin Hutchinson introduced her at the event, and she commented, "If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row," according to KNOE."If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row"- Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith says in Tupelo, MS after Colin Hutchinson, cattle rancher, praises her. Hyde-Smith is in a runoff on Nov 27th against Mike Espy. pic.twitter.com/0a9jOEjokr— Lamar White, Jr. (@LamarWhiteJr) November 11, 2018The video made it to social media and went viral.Mississippi had the highest number of lynchings in the United States between 1882 and 1968. The state's flag contains the flag of the Confederate States of America. Despite this history and present reality, Hyde-Smith claims her words weren't racist. She has also made it clear she wasn't referencing her opponent for the Senate job, who is Black."I referred to accepting an invitation to a speaking engagement," Hyde-Smith said in a statement. "In referencing the one who invited me, I used an exaggerated expression of regard, and any attempt to turn this into a negative connotation is ridiculous."Mike Espy, the Democratic candidate for the seat, argued it doesn't matter who Hyde-Smith was talking about; in an interview with CNN he called the expression "hurtful and harmful" and one that reinforces negative "stereotypes that have held back our state:"Mississippi Democrat Mike Espy (@espyforsenate) calls Republican opponent Cindy Hyde-Smith's "public hanging" comments "hurtful and harmful" and "reinforce the stereotypes that have held back our state...This is 2018...We need leaders who will try to unite us and not divide us." pic.twitter.com/iaq8mtGo0s— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) November 12, 2018Espy’s campaign formally condemned Hyde-Smith’s comments on Sunday."Cindy Hyde-Smith's comments are reprehensible," Espy spokesman Danny Blanton said in a statement. "They have no place in our political discourse, in Mississippi or our country. We need leaders, not dividers, and her words show that she lacks the understanding and judgment to represent the people of our state."The senator was also called out on social media:This is precisely why Mississippi Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith cavalierly making jokes about public hangings and lynchings is a major red flag. 🚩 https://t.co/mhgrAtI4he— Raquel Willis (@RaquelWillis_) November 12, 2018Stumping in Mississippi which has the highest number of “recorded” lynchings of black people, Cindy Hyde-Smith says she’d be in the front row of a public hanging. Folks like Cindy don’t think or care about being implicitly or explicitly racist. https://t.co/zWjS6w19eg— Commissioner Tami Sawyer (@tamisawyer) November 11, 2018Mississippi: 1 in 5 Black people has lost the right to vote; a White man wore 👇at a polling place; & yesterday Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said about a cattle rancher, "If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row." She's facing Mike Epsy in an election Nov 27. VOTE. pic.twitter.com/P6hyzWtdH2— Rebecca J. Kavanagh (@DrRJKavanagh) November 12, 2018The real joke is that even tho Cindy Hyde-Smith made that comment, she’s still going to get a significant number of votes. This is MS after all. It probably won’t affect her numbers in the slightest. But the rest of us have to show up and show out for Mike Espy— Rhea (@ItsREE_1908) November 12, 2018Cindy Hyde-Smith was born in 1959. Public executions aren’t part of the history of Mississippi in her lifetime. Lynchings are.— Angus Johnston (@studentactivism) November 11, 2018Mississippi's Republican Governor Phil Bryant appointed Hyde-Smith the U.S. Senate after Thad Cochran resigned in April due to health reasons. She and Espy will face off in a runoff on November 27.President Donald Trump endorsed Hyde-Smith in August....Cindy has voted for our Agenda in the Senate 100% of the time and has my complete and total Endorsement. We need Cindy to win in Mississippi!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 23, 2018🚨🚨POLLS ARE OPEN IN MISSISSIPPI🚨🚨 @realDonaldTrump's presidency has been nothing but winning, and as your Senator, I'm committed to rebuilding our military, ending illegal immigration, and no more tax $$$ for abortion! Can I count on your vote TODAY? #Cindy2018 pic.twitter.com/g3akh46QGp— Cindy Hyde-Smith (@cindyhydesmith) November 6, 2018Epsy and Hyde-Smith first ran for the empty seat on November 6, but neither could get the 50 percent of votes needed to secure the position. Espy became the first Black Mississippian to serve in the U.S. House since Reconstruction when he was elected in 1986. If he wins the Senate seat, he will be the first Black senator from Mississippi since Reconstruction.Now, check these out:Michelle Obama Gets Candid About Trying To Please Fashion Critics As The First Black FLOTUSWoman Brutally Beaten, Stabbed In Subway Station By White Man As He Called Her A 'Black B***h' April Ryan Is Calling Out Trump's Racism In New...

In a Monday Medium post, the campaign manager for Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams accused the Georgia secretary of state's office of lying about the total number of votes still to be counted in the race between Abrams and GOP candidate Brian Kemp.Lauren Groh-Wargo, the campaign manager, writes, "The Secretary of State office is lying about the number of votes cast, as well as the number of votes still to be counted. How do we know? We went to the counties directly to see the votes and count them for ourselves."By the Abrams campaign's count, there are at least 33,350 uncounted votes currently. Provisional ballots make up 26,846 of that number; Groh-Wargo claims there are also at least 1,303 early votes, 2,674 mail ballots and 2,684 overseas military votes that still need tallying.The Democratic campaign also claims they've found the uncounted votes just so happen to come from Georgia's bluest districts.Although 33,000 votes might not sound like enough to sway an election, in this case, those votes could decide who becomes the Peach State's next governor. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Kemp has a roughly 1.5 percent lead on Abrams, which translates to around 58,000 votes. However, Abrams needs just 21,000 votes to trigger a runoff election against her GOP nemesis. If Abrams receives 19,000 more votes would require a recount according to state law.Abrams challenged the handling of Dougherty County's absentee ballots in court and won that suit, meaning ballots mailed past the official deadline in that county will still be counted. Groh-Wargo writes the campaign has "filed another lawsuit demanding that absentee and provisional ballots be counted" ahead of a Tuesday vote certification deadline. If the second lawsuit also results in a victory for the Abrams team, that deadline would be extended.According to The Associated Press, several Black voters experienced trouble at Georgia's polls, including but not limited to long lines and polling sites with limited voting machines. Some believe these conditions may have suppressed turnout, with potential voters leaving before they had a chance to cast their ballots.Saturday, the Kemp campaign called Abrams a "disgrace to democracy," and accused her of "making up numbers," according to USA Today.Now, check these out: Stacey Abrams To Sue Over Absentee Ballots As Brian Kemp Resigns As Georgia's Secretary Of StateGeorgia's First Lady Tries To Shade Stacey Abrams, Says She Wants A Family In The Mansion To 'Take Good Care Of It'9 Things To Know About Stacey Abrams, Who May Become The U.S.' First Black Female...

The race for governor of Georgia has not yet been decided. Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams has vowed to fight to make sure every single vote is counted and is using her Instagram page to share stories of Georgians who had trouble voting on Election Day to show why she believes that fight is so important.One of the Georgians highlighted by the gubernatorial hopeful is JaKayla, a freshman at Albany State University. The university is in Dougherty County; the Abrams campaign launched a legal challenge revolving around this very same county due to what Abrams claims is the mishandling of its absentee ballots.JaKayla didn't speak about the suit but claimed she and her fellow students had an enormous amount of trouble voting on November 6. View this post on Instagram "If we don’t tell our stories out loud, no one else will know they are not alone. My name is JaKayla and I'm a freshman at Albany State. This was my first time voting. I wanted to vote early, but as a student without a car, I was told to wait because there would be a polling place on campus on Election Day. When I went to vote on Election Day, I was told I had to vote by 'provisional ballot' – then I found out that there were two polling locations on the campus. I asked if I needed to go to the other polling place to vote and was told 'NO.' I just needed to fill out a provisional ballot. My grandmother called the Secretary of State's office and began to ask questions, but they provided no answers. All they would say is 'I can’t answer that,' or 'I don’t know.' So we called and reported everything to the Voter Protection Hotline. There were tons of students who had to fill out provisional ballots. My roommate, who registered to vote at the same time I did, was told she couldn’t vote, period. They wouldn’t give her a provisional ballot. They told her she was still registered in her hometown of Savannah. All votes matter, and all votes should be counted, whether they're from first time voters, college students, anybody. A lot of people had similar experiences, and they are telling their families and friends. It's time to speak out. People need to know that these are real experiences. Our nation needs to know." - JaKayla, Dougherty County.A post shared by Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) on Nov 12, 2018 at 9:44am PST"This was my first time voting," JaKayla wrote. "I wanted to vote early, but as a student without a car, I was told to wait because there would be a polling place on campus on Election Day. When I went to vote on Election Day, I was told I had to vote by 'provisional ballot' – then I found out that there were two polling locations on the campus. I asked if I needed to go to the other polling place to vote and was told, 'NO.' I just needed to fill out a provisional ballot."The freshman wanted to cast a real ballot and contacted the secretary of state's office, which, at that time, was led by Abrams' rival, GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp.Officials allegedly told JaKayla they didn't know why she wasn't being allowed to cast an ordinary ballot.Other students faced similar trouble according to the first-time voter."There were tons of students who had to fill out provisional ballots," JaKayla wrote. "My roommate, who registered to vote at the same time I did, was told she couldn’t vote, period. They wouldn’t give her a provisional ballot. They told her she was still registered in her hometown of Savannah." Like Abrams, JaKayla said she isn't pleased with how Georgia handled its last election. "It's time to speak out," she wrote. "People need to know that these are real experiences. Our nation needs to know."Kemp has resigned as secretary of state. Saturday, his campaign accused Abrams of "making up numbers" and called her a "disgrace to democracy," the USA Today reports. Kemp currently holds a slim lead of about 1.5 percent. Abrams' campaign announced Monday it had "found" over 30,000 votes not taken into account by the secretary of state's office. View this post on Instagram Abrams Campaign Manager, Lauren Groh-Wargo: "Almost a week after Election Day, we find ourselves in the not unfamiliar place of place of having to advocate for the representation and rights of Georgia voters who were not seen or heard in this election —  an election overseen by #GAGov candidate and recent Secretary of State Brian Kemp. So here’s what we know: Georgia voters were confronted at the voting booth by widespread irregularities, which were reported by multiple media outlets. Insufficient machines, long lines, confused poll workers, conflicting and arbitrary guidance that varied widely by county — none of it designed to make voting easy or simple for millions of eligible Georgia voters. But we’ve come to expect —  although not to accept —  such activity from Brian Kemp, who is the architect of some of the greatest voter suppression tactics this country has seen in recent years." READ: "How we found 30,823 additional Georgia votes…and why we’re still counting" bit.ly/Count-Every-Vote (link in bio) #CountEveryVoteA post shared by Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) on Nov 12, 2018 at 1:26pm PSTNow, check these out: Georgia's First Lady Tries To Shade Stacey Abrams, Says She Wants A 'Family In The Mansion To Take Good Care Of It'3 Things You Can Do, No Matter Where You Are, To Help Stacey Abrams Become First Black Female Governor9 Things To Know About Stacey Abrams, The Woman Who May Become America's First Black Female...

The family of Alaina Housley, including Tamera Mowry-Housley, are calling for change after the 18-year-old died during Wednesday's mass shooting in California. The family spoke to CBS News about the young woman's death."My daughter's body was brought back to Napa today," said her father, Arik Housley. "We're going to bury her in four days. I should not have to do that."Adam Housley, her uncle and a former Fox News correspondent, admitted he had covered stories like this but shared following this one has been surreal because Alaina is family."I've been to these things, Lee. You have,” Adam said to CBS’s Lee Cowan. “You've covered these things; you go home, and you sit there, and you're like, you know, my gosh, how are these people going to get through it? And now we're living it."Tamera teared up when she spoke of her niece."Alaina was beautiful," the actress recalled. "And she was my friend. Yes, there needs to be a change, but all the noise… nothing's been done."The family doesn’t want the conversation to end at gun control, thoughts, prayers or politics. They want to bring back common decency."To us, it's to be kind to one another. It's to put down your technology, put down your phones and look at somebody and have a conversation. It's not about gun control; this message is about doing something bigger, to be with your community, to love one another,” Arik said, adding he believes his daughter might be alive if someone had reached out to shooter Ian David Long."What if somebody walked up to the guy and just asked him how he was doing that day and said, 'Hello' to him or did something that may have just changed his mind, instead of ignoring, or whatever we're doing?" the father asked.Tamera agrees with her brother-in-law."I think it starts there," she said. "You start with imagining, 'Wait a minute, what if that was my child, or my niece, or my cousin?' It will get you in a place of just having some sort of human decency."Adam Housley said he has received many insulting tweets due to his affiliation with Fox News and has relied on support from his family to help him get through the comments. He believes that’s what his niece would have wanted."She would want to happen what happened today, when we drove down that street, I saw people of all colors, all ages, people I've never seen, and I was born and raised in this town, hugging, holding hands, shaking hands," Adam said. "She'd want that to happen at the national level."Long stormed into Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California, on October 7 and killed 12 people, including Alaina, before he committed suicide. This shooting is the 307th mass shooting to occur in 2018, according to USA Today.Now, check these out:Tamera Mowry-Housley And Husband Confirm Niece Was Among Those Killed In Mass Shooting At California BarBlack Security Guard Shot And Killed By Police Officer While Trying To Stop GunmanThe Black Veterans Project Highlights The Voices Of Those Who Have Served And The Racial Inequities They...

At 7:10 p.m. on election night, a sea of phone bankers and canvassers wearing bright teal t-shirts erupted in a wave of cheers. The polls had just closed and they heard that John Creuzot, the Democratic candidate running for Dallas County District Attorney, was up by 106,000, based on early vote numbers.Since the beginning of September, the primarily Black and Latino canvassers and phone bankers had been working with the Texas Organizing Project to help get progressive candidates like John Creuzot elected to office.The organization has been on the ground for nine years and is working to transform Texas into a state where working people of color, like their canvassers and phone bankers, have the power and representation they deserve.The Texas Organizing Project PAC (the political arm of the Texas Organizing Project) makes endorsements in statewide races – this year, they had endorsed Beto O’Rourke for U.S. Senate in his race against Ted Cruz. They also endorsed candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives like Colin Allred and State House and City Council candidates.But walking around the Texas Organizing Project PAC’s Dallas County office, Creuzot was the main race that mattered.John Creuzot was a former judge with the mind of a reformer. He had previously started a drug rehabilitation program to divert non-violent drug offenders from the criminal justice system and re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.  He had audacious policy priorities for the District Attorney position.It was through community conversations and support from the Texas Organizing Project that Creuzot came to embrace an even more progressive criminal justice platform focused on ending mass incarceration, eradicating cash bail, and closing prisons as key tenets of his race.And in turn, voters came out in droves to support him.Anthony, the 20-year-old son of undocumented immigrants from Mexico, felt ashamed that 2018 would be his first election casting a ballot. He wished he had known more about how politics impacts the criminal justice system so that he could have voted sooner to help make a difference. After being pulled over and jailed for his car registration being out of date, Anthony felt ashamed. He hadn’t told his parents about the encounter, but he knew that he wanted a District Attorney that would vow to end mass incarceration.Joyce has always voted, but this election would be the first one she’d participate in since her 21-year-old son was put on probation for a crime he did not commit. She got quiet when the conversation shifted to his situation. “I’m worried about him,” she said.In a way, casting her ballot in the District Attorney race and working to help others to vote was Joyce’s way of taking care of her son. It was Anthony’s way of building a better future for himself and his family.Political parties have long-dismissed voters of color as either safe Democrats that don’t need to be reached out to by campaigns, or as unlikely voters who aren’t going to vote, so why bother.It is community organizations, like the Texas Organizing Project, that have built election infrastructure and campaign models to both engage Black and Latino voters and drive candidates to adopt policy solutions that affect them.While the mainstream Democratic Party in D.C. debates about whether the path to victory is turning out its base or courting more moderate voters, the right answer is right in front of them in the community organization model.By backing unabashedly progressive candidates and engaging communities of color, the Texas Organizing Project, with progressive partners estimates that they turned out 320,000 new midterm voters.These new voters saw candidates that vowed to address the real challenges that they faced. They didn’t run on political catch-phrases – they ran on community solutions.The better our candidates are able to articulate responsive policy platforms in connective language, the more likely they are to win elections, and the more connected they are to community organizations, the more well-versed they become in that language.Not long after the early vote numbers came in, John Creuzot handily won his election to become Dallas County District Attorney. Texas Organizing Project canvassers and organizers eagerly fled to his watch party as a wave of teal and enveloped the newly-elected District Attorney while chanting his name.Later that night, while making his acceptance speech, Creuzot thanked family members, his campaign manager, and last of all, the Texas Organizing Project.To them, he said, “I owe my victory to...