Not Your Grandfather's Convention (w/ Jerome Dees, Jess Unger, and Tafeni English-Relf)

This week, Josh and David discuss the contrast between the Republican and Democratic National Conventions — and the speeches by Barack and Michelle Obama, emphasizing their aspirational messages and the need for unity and acceptance. Then, the SPLC's Jerome Dees joins the show to explain the Alabama Voting Rights Act (SB7) and the need for voting rights legislation in the state. The bill aims to restore voting rights, allow for absentee voting without qualification, enable same-day voter registration, and create an Alabama voting rights commission. Jess Unger and Tafeni English-Relf join the show, to address concerns about Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen's recent actions to purge voter rolls of individuals with DHS-issued IDs, potentially targeting naturalized citizens. They discussed the legal issues, particularly violations of the National Voter Registration Act, and the intimidation this could cause for immigrant communities. Finally, Josh and David discuss reaction to Haitian immigrants in Alabama and the underlying racism and fear that drives it. They highlight the hypocrisy of those who claim to be fine with immigrants as long as they come legally, but still vilify and dehumanize them. About Our Sponsor: Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by ⁠Wind Creek Hospitality⁠. Gaming is the heart of Wind Creek Hospitality, but they offer so much more. Wind Creek's 10 distinct properties in the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — provide world-class entertainment, dining, hotel stays, amenities and activities. As the principal gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Wind Creek continues to grow and offer guests luxurious destinations and opportunities for escape. Send us a question: We take a bit of time each week to answer questions from our audience about Alabama politics — or Alabama in general. If you have a question about a politician, a policy, or a trend — really anything — you can shoot us an email at ⁠[email protected]⁠. You can also send it to us on ⁠Facebook⁠ and ⁠Twitter⁠. Or by emailing us a voice recording to our email with your question, and we may play it on air. Either way, make sure you include your name (first name is fine) and the city or county where you live. About APW: APW is a weekly Alabama political podcast hosted by Josh Moon and David Person, two longtime Alabama political journalists. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube. Music credits: Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive. Visit ⁠Mr. Smith's page here.