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.

Mar 19, 2024

State Legislative Sessions: How They Impact Your Rights

Many state legislative sessions are underway right now — learn more about this crucial political process and how it can bolster or reduce your rights.

Individuals in a group holding ACLU-branded signs saying "We the People," and "You Can't Legislate Away Our Existence."
Mar 11, 2024

How to Protect Consumer Privacy and Free Speech

Consumer privacy laws should strengthen free speech protections online, and vice versa. Here’s how it can be done.

A gavel on a laptop.
Jan 17, 2024

Unaccountable Police Units Are Wrong for Safety

Specialized units give police too much power, leading to abuse and violence. If we want to keep people safe from both crime and police violence, we need to build something better.

Special police unit at a stadium event.
Jan 04, 2024

Some Steps to Defend Against Online Doxxing and Harassment

Digital attacks are on the rise ­— but you can help defend your community.

A lock and key on top of a computer keyboard.
Jan 02, 2024

Another Year of America's Failed Experiment: The Death Penalty in 2023

The executions of 24 people last year illustrated the full range of systemic flaws in our system of capital punishment.

Man protesting against the death penalty in fron of the U.S. Justice Dept wearing a red shirt with a black stop sign reading "STOP EXECUTIONS NOW" in white letters.
Oct 30, 2023

Why Access to Voting is Key to Systemic Equality

Here’s how systemic barriers and discrimination continue to impact access to voting today, and why we’re fighting to ensure all people have equal access to voting.

A profile view of a woman in a voting booth.
Oct 19, 2023

Why School Discipline Reform Still Matters

Race discrimination is more than a number. Federal guidance makes it clear that Black students are still disproportionately disciplined, and offers a path forward.

A police car driving on a road in front of a school bus.
Sep 06, 2023

Why Access to Education is Key to Systemic Equality

Here’s how discrimination continues to impact access to safe, quality education today, and why we’re fighting to ensure all people have equal access.

A professor holding a lecture to a group of students.
Feb 01, 2023

Making Black History, Building Black Futures

The battle for civil rights continues to this day. Here are some of the Black leaders who laid the groundwork — and those carrying the fight for true equality into the future.

Autherine Lucy, left, front, 26-year-old student at the University of Alabama, arrives at U.S. District Court for the hearing of her petition for an order requiring the school to re-admit her to classes in Birmingham, Ala., Feb. 29, 1956. With Lucy are...