News & Commentary

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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.

Dec 02, 2022

I’m Proud of My Transgender Son. The Health Care He Needs Shouldn’t Be Up for Debate.

Gender-affirming care helped my son become the happy, healthy, confident guy he is today.

Donnie Ray Saxton with son Parker.
Sep 20, 2022

National Voter Registration Day is Today: Here’s What You Need to Know

Today is National Voter Registration Day, and it’s important to make sure you are registered at your current address and ready to vote.

A sign reading "Register to Vote Here" next to an American flag.
Sep 19, 2022

How to Start a Banned Book Club

Ella Scott, student and co-founder of her high school’s Banned Book Club, tells us what inspired her to take action and shares advice on how to combat book bans in your own school.

A group of students reading around a desk.
Aug 05, 2022

Fifty-Seven Years After its Enactment, the Voting Rights Act is in Peril

On this anniversary of the VRA, the fight to secure the right to vote faces its greatest battles in over a generation.

An African-American woman dropping their ballot off during early voting in Athens, Ga.
Jul 07, 2022

Two Generations of Reproductive Rights Advocates on Life After Roe

ACLU Deputy Legal Director Louise Melling and Staff Attorney Chelsea Tejada discuss the Supreme Court’s ruling overturning the federal constitutional right to abortion.

Protesters supporting abortion march in front of the Supreme Court holding signs that read "Bans off our Bodies."
Jul 07, 2022

Your Abortions. Your Voices. Your Stories. | American Civil Liberties Union

People who have had abortions share how abortion access changed their lives for the better.

A collage of images of abortion activists who contributed their quotes.
Jun 29, 2022

Why We Use Inclusive Language to Talk About Abortion

Women aren’t the only people impacted by the fall of Roe v. Wade.

People holding a rainbow flag banner reading "Rise Up 4 Abortion Rights" while marching at the 2022 San Francisco Pride parade of 2022.
Jun 09, 2022

How ICE Sidesteps the Law to Find and Deport People

A new report documents data sharing between local jails and LexisNexis, enabling deportation to continue even in sanctuary cities and states.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers apprehending two men.
Mar 15, 2022

Calling 911 Shouldn’t Lead to an Eviction

The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act will help ensure that people who report emergencies don’t get evicted as a result.

A stock photo of an eviction noticed, placed in an open door.