Georgia Illustrates the National Ripple Effect of Strong Black Turnout

This November, Georgia sent a significant message: when Black voters unite around issues affecting their finances and daily lives, they can alter the power dynamics. In a pivotal yet overlooked election, Georgians voted in two new members of the Public Service Commission (PSC), unseating incumbents responsible for six rate increases in two years. While seldom featured in headlines, the PSC greatly influences utility costs for 2.7 million Georgia Power customers. The newly elected commissioners will shape living expenses for countless Georgians over their six-year terms.Our collaboration with the Black Voters Matter Fund educated voters on the link between their ballots and utility bills. In Valdosta, turnout surged by 47%, proving that when civic engagement aligns with tangible issues, it generates powerful electoral outcomes. The Georgia results highlight the essential role of rural Black voters in achieving sustainable economic justice. For enduring Black political power, local organizing must be prioritized year-round, transforming civic participation into continuous advocacy for vital community needs.