Alabama Democrats are working hard to turn out their voters in two special elections on Tuesday, hoping to pick up two Republican-controlled seats in the Legislature.
“This Tuesday we have two special elections for seats in our state legislature,” Democratic Party organizer Hope Basil wrote. “In Senate District 14 and House District 73, the Republican incumbents have vacated their posts and now we have the unique opportunity to flip two seats away from GOP control!”
In Senate District 14, Democrat Virginia Applebaum is running against Republican April Weaver for the seat formerly held by Cam Ward, now director of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. SD14 includes parts of Shelby, Chilton and Bibb Counties.
“Virginia Applebaum has stepped up to be the Democratic candidate for Alabama State Senate District 14!” according to Applebaum’s Act Blue page. “This Special Election will be held July 13, 2021. If elected, Ms. Applebaum would be the first Native American State Senator in Alabama’s history!”
“Virginia Applebaum lives in Calera and practices law in Birmingham and the surrounding area,” according to her webpage. “When asked why she became an attorney, she replied, “I could no longer tolerate the injustice that those with power imposed on the powerless. I became an attorney to be part of the solution and to be a voice for those who may otherwise not be heard.”
According to her Act Blue, “Ms. Applebaum has appeared in B-Metro Magazine’s Top Women Lawyers list. Birmingham Magazine named her ‘Top Attorney’ in civil rights litigation and recognized her as a ‘Rising Star.’ She has also been recognized by her peers as an Alabama Super Lawyer.”
In House District 73, Democrat Sheridan Black is running against Republican Kenneth Paschal for the seat formerly held by Matt Fridy, now a member of the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.
“I’m Sheridan Black, of Helena, a lifelong Alabamian, a resident of Shelby County, and a candidate for the Alabama House of Representatives, District 73,” Black said on her website. “I’m running for the Alabama House to work for you and move our state forward with better quality of education, access to good healthcare, and job opportunities and training here in Shelby County.”
“Who lives in my district? House District 73 includes portions of Alabaster, Calera, Chelsea, Helena, Montevallo, Pelham and Brantleyville,” Black continued. “What I appreciate about District 73 is that we have a good quality of life with the potential to make it even greater. I believe my background as a healthcare professional, small businesswoman, and family advocate best equips me for the job of representing you.”
“We have two impressive and qualified Democratic candidates running to represent the people of Alabama and make real change in our state legislature,” Basil said.
The Democrats are calling their supporters across the two districts to turn out their voters on election day.
“We have phone banking sessions tomorrow July 12th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CT and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT on election day, July 13!” Basil said. “We will give you all the training you need to have effective and meaningful conversations with Alabama voters. So sign up and let’s get out the vote for Virginia and Sheridan!”
“These special elections are all about turnout,” Basil said. “If we cut through our state’s partisan divide and start talking about issues that really matter to voters, we will have a real shot at getting voters to the polls and electing Democrats!”
Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and will close at 7 p.m.
To participate in the special election, voters must already be registered to vote in the district and must vote at the polling place that they are assigned. To vote in any Alabama election, voters must present a valid photo ID at the polls.
