HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Madison County Alabama Democratic Conference held their annual Membership Breakfast this morning at the Bob Harrison Wellness and Advocacy Center. The Keynote Speaker was Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed along with other special guests.
Alabama Democratic Conference Chairman Eddie Sherrod explained that the statewide organization has been serving for 64 years. "We are a black political caucus. What we do, we get out the vote, we do voter education, we try to inspire people to vote, and we tell them what we think is in their best interests and we get folks to the polls. Mobile, or whatever we need to do to get them to the polls."
Montgomery's first African American Mayor, Steven Reed, now serving his second term believes it is important for all community members to be fully aware of some of the bills that are in place. "SB1 right now around absentee ballots is very problematic for me."
Senate Bill One would prohibit any person from ordering, requesting, collecting, prefilling or delivering an absentee ballot application or absentee ballot to a voter in certain circumstances. "And I know that there's not voter fraud in Alabama the way it's being presented. And I'm a little concerned when you consider our history that we are repeating some of those missteps when you see legislation like this being presented," said Mayor Reed.
Nicholas Perkins, brother of Steve Perkins, who was shot and killed by Decatur Police over four months ago was also in attendance discussing SB14, a bill he stands in strong support of. "Instead of, just going on police stories and reports this bill by Ms. Merika Coleman will allow families to actually have access to body cam and dash cam footage within 30 days. That keeps families without being confused. It keeps families from being, wondering what answers they needed from questions that have been asked. And that allows families to begin the healing process. Maybe not fully, but it is the start."