Democracy Is More Than Voting: Inside the Fight for Fair Maps in North Carolina
In this powerful Episode 51 of Raised Red, Living Blue, we sit down with Marques Thompson, Organizing Director at Democracy North Carolina, to unpack what’s really happening to voting rights — and how everyday people can fight back.
With roots in the civil rights movement, Democracy North Carolina works across the state to ensure voters are informed, empowered, and able to access the ballot box. Marques breaks down modern voter suppression tactics — from gerrymandering and photo ID laws to shrinking mail-in ballot windows — and explains why these issues disproportionately impact Black, Brown, rural, and working-class communities.
This conversation goes beyond elections. We explore why so many people feel their vote doesn’t matter, how organizing restores collective power, and why democracy doesn’t stop at the ballot box. Marques also shares his personal journey into organizing, the importance of community-driven leadership, and his vision for a future where the people choose their representatives — not the other way around.
If you care about voting rights, fair representation, grassroots power, and the future of democracy in America, this episode is a must-listen.
Learn more about The Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice (LDSJ), mentioned early in the episode, at https://www.socialjusticeleadership.org
📌 Learn more or get involved: democracync.org
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