News & Commentary

Image of a two hands reaching across the table with a patriotic sign that says VOTE in the middle.

What's on the ballot in Tennessee?

Three constitutional amendments on bail, property taxes, and victims' rights are on Tennessee's November ballot. See where we stand.

Latest Publication

Sep 10, 2026

Citizenship Rights Restoration in Tennessee

Restoring your voting rights in Tennessee got easier in 2026. State Sen. Raumesh Akbari and State Rep. Karen Camper led the charge in the legislature to remove some of the biggest barriers standing between formerly incarcerated Tennesseans and the ballot box.

The Campaign Legal Center and Free Hearts, a Tennessee nonprofit led by formerly incarcerated women, have been on the ground helping people navigate this process and pushing for a fairer system. For eligibility requirements and step-by-step petition instructions, read the guide from Free Hearts and the Campaign Legal Center.

Thumbnail for the Set the Record Straight Series. Cover Reads: 470,000 Can't Vote

More from the Press

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Stay informed on civil rights issues. Discover our latest actions and updates in the Press Release section.

Oct 05, 2026

The Kendrick Consent Decree: Your First Amendment Rights in Memphis

The Kendrick Consent Decree protects your right to speak, organize, protest, and associate freely without fear that Memphis police are building a file on you for doing so.

A graphic collage with a Memphis police department badge, file folders, and gavel.
Jan 22, 2025

Trump's Executive Orders Promoting Sex Discrimination, Explained

A new executive order lays out a plan to erase transgender people’s existence under the law

A pesron holding up a sign reading "A World Without Trans People Has Never Existed And Never Will" at a demonstration.
Jan 15, 2025

Banning TikTok is Unconstitutional. The Supreme Court Must Step In.

Our First Amendment right to express ourselves must be protected.

A person is holding a sign outside the Capitol Building that reads " #Keep TikTok".
Nov 21, 2024

Meet the Tennessee family behind the US Supreme Court's major transgender health care case

L Williams watched Tennessee Republicans last year ban treatments for transgender youth. Now, she'll watch the issue go before the U.S. Supreme Court in a case that could have far-reaching impacts.

Nicole Hester / The Tennessean
Nov 06, 2024

How the ACLU Will Fight Four More Years of Trump

During the first Donald Trump administration, the ACLU fought his unlawful policies more than 400 times. We’re even more prepared now.

Donald Trump graphic
Sep 19, 2024

Anti-trans laws may complicate access to the ballot for trans voters

Advocacy groups are mobilizing to safeguard access to the ballot as states implement laws that could deter trans people from voting in November. This article was published by Them and The 19th News.

There will always be trans. 2023 Memphis Pride
Sep 16, 2024

ACLU-TN urges Rutherford county schools to not ban books from school libraries

We know that the right to free expression includes the freedom to read free from viewpoint-based censorship, and we will continue to push for a state where all students have the freedom to learn without bias.

By Stella Yarbrough

rutherford county book ban
Sep 05, 2024

The Supreme Court Case on Trans Health Care, Explained.

The court will soon hear a landmark legal challenge brought by the ACLU against a ban on hormone therapies for transgender youth.

A shirtless demonstrator (wearing glasses and a black surgical mask) holds up a sign that reads" GENDER AFFIRMING CARE IS HEALTHCARE".
Mar 25, 2024

Fighting Back Against Discriminatory Laws That Impact People Living with HIV

The ACLU is challenging a Tennessee law that criminalizes HIV status. This law unfairly prevents people from securing employment and housing.

A demonstrator, leaning against a light blue car and with their face hidden holds a sign reading "HIV IS NOT A CRIME".