By Michelle Merriweather, President and CEO, Urban League Of Metropolitan Seattle
In every election, the importance of the Black vote is indisputable. Our community’s voice has shaped history and continues to be a critical force in advocating for justice, equality, and progress. Yet, despite its proven power, Black voter turnout has faced significant challenges—both from external forces seeking to suppress our voices and internal barriers that limit engagement.
This year, we are taking decisive action. The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, alongside its auxiliaries, Stand for Children, the Seattle National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), have come together to form a dynamic Get Out the Vote Coalition. Our mission is simple but urgent: to ensure that every eligible Black voter in our region is not only registered but empowered to cast their vote.
The history of the Black vote is one of struggle and triumph. From the Civil Rights Movement to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, generations of Black Americans have fought for the right to have our voices heard in the political process. However, recent years have shown us that this hard-earned right is still vulnerable. Voter suppression tactics, disinformation, and restrictive voting laws disproportionately target our communities, undermining our political power.
But make no mistake—the Black vote has the power to transform elections. Whether it’s local, state, or national races, our collective voice can change the trajectory of policy and governance. Our votes have influenced key decisions on issues ranging from education and housing to criminal justice reform and healthcare. And yet, far too often, we see our community’s turnout fall short of its potential, allowing others to dictate our future.
The stakes are high. We are facing critical decisions about racial justice, economic equity, and education that will have long-lasting impacts on Black communities in Seattle and beyond. This is why mobilizing the Black vote is not only a political imperative but a moral one.
The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS) has long been committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Black people in the Puget Sound region. Our auxiliaries—the Young Professionals and the Guild—have always stood at the forefront of this mission, working to empower Black voices and build generational wealth. However, we recognized that to truly amplify our efforts in voter mobilization, we needed to expand our reach and collaborate with others who share our vision.
This is why we’ve joined forces with Stand for Children, the Seattle National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) to create the Get Out the Vote Coalition. These organizations have deep roots in the Black community and have consistently championed education, civil rights, and community development. Together, we are a formidable alliance, united by our shared commitment to ensuring that the Black vote is fully realized and that our community’s concerns are addressed at every level of government.
Our coalition’s goals are ambitious, but they are necessary. We aim to register thousands of new Black voters in Seattle and King County. We will be conducting voter education initiatives to ensure that our community members understand the importance of every race on the ballot—from school boards to city councils, from local initiatives to national offices.
We are also addressing barriers to voting that disproportionately impact Black and marginalized communities, such as access to information, transportation to polling places, and the complexities of absentee or mail-in voting. With early voting options, voter registration drives, and education efforts, we are equipping our community with the tools to make their votes count.
Beyond just voting, we aim to foster a sense of civic responsibility and community ownership. We want every Black voter in Seattle and King County to recognize the direct connection between their vote and the issues that affect their daily lives—whether it’s affordable housing, school funding, or criminal justice reform. Our coalition is also dedicated to empowering younger generations of voters, ensuring that young Black people see the value in participating in the political process.
Our coalition also draws on the rich history of Black civic organizations and fraternities and sororities, which have long served as pillars of leadership and advocacy within our communities. The Seattle National Pan-Hellenic Council and its member organizations—historically Black fraternities and sororities—have always been about more than just social connection. These organizations have been central to political advocacy, community service, and civic engagement for decades.
In times of crisis and change, we have always turned to our civic organizations to organize, advocate, and mobilize. Whether it was marching for civil rights or pushing for voting access, we’ve stood at the vanguard of change. The Get Out the Vote Coalition is a continuation of this legacy—a collective effort to ensure that our community is not just surviving but thriving.
This coalition is more than a short-term effort. We are building a sustained movement to ensure that the Black vote remains a powerful force in shaping the policies that impact our communities. Voting is one of the most critical
tools we have in the fight for racial, economic, and social justice. By bringing our organizations together, we are reaffirming the importance of Black political power and ensuring that our community is not only heard but respected.
In these challenging times, the importance of the Black vote cannot be overstated. Our voices matter. Our votes matter. And through the efforts of the Get Out the Vote Coalition, we will ensure that our community continues to shape the future.
Let’s make sure that every Black voter knows their power and uses it.