Our Time Is Now by Stacey Abrams

Last updated: Sep 24, 2023

Summary of Our Time Is Now by Stacey Abrams

Our Time Is Now is a book written by Stacey Abrams, a prominent American politician, activist, and author. In this book, Abrams explores the issues of voter suppression and the importance of fair elections in the United States.

Abrams begins by sharing her personal experiences with voter suppression during her run for the Georgia governorship in 2018. She highlights the various tactics used to disenfranchise minority voters, such as strict voter ID laws, purging voter rolls, and closing polling locations in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

She then delves into the historical context of voter suppression, tracing its roots back to the Reconstruction era and the Jim Crow era. Abrams emphasizes the long-standing efforts to suppress the votes of marginalized communities, particularly African Americans, and how these tactics have evolved over time.

Abrams argues that voter suppression is not only a threat to democracy but also a tool used to maintain power by those in positions of privilege. She discusses the impact of gerrymandering, the manipulation of district boundaries to favor one political party, and the role of money in politics, which often silences the voices of ordinary citizens.

Throughout the book, Abrams shares stories of individuals who have been directly affected by voter suppression, highlighting the real-life consequences of these actions. She also provides examples of successful efforts to combat voter suppression, such as grassroots organizing, legal challenges, and voter education initiatives.

In addition to discussing voter suppression, Abrams offers a vision for a more inclusive and equitable democracy. She advocates for automatic voter registration, expanded early voting, and increased accessibility for individuals with disabilities. She also emphasizes the importance of addressing other systemic issues, such as income inequality and racial injustice, to create a truly fair and representative democracy.

Overall, Our Time Is Now is a powerful and timely book that sheds light on the urgent need to protect and expand voting rights in the United States. Abrams' personal experiences, combined with her extensive research and analysis, make a compelling case for the importance of fair elections and the fight against voter suppression.

1. The Power of Voter Suppression

In "Our Time Is Now," Stacey Abrams sheds light on the issue of voter suppression and its impact on democracy. She explains how voter suppression tactics, such as strict voter ID laws, purging voter rolls, and reducing polling locations, disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly people of color. Abrams emphasizes that voter suppression is a deliberate strategy used by those in power to maintain their control and silence the voices of those who may challenge their authority.

Abrams argues that it is crucial for individuals to understand the tactics used in voter suppression and actively work towards combating them. She encourages people to advocate for fair and accessible voting laws, support organizations that fight against voter suppression, and educate themselves and others about their voting rights. By recognizing the power of voter suppression and taking action, individuals can help ensure that every citizen's voice is heard in the democratic process.

2. The Importance of Fair Districting

Abrams highlights the significance of fair districting in "Our Time Is Now." She explains how gerrymandering, the practice of manipulating district boundaries to favor a particular political party, undermines the principle of fair representation. Gerrymandering allows politicians to choose their voters instead of voters choosing their representatives, leading to a lack of accountability and a distortion of democracy.

Abrams calls for the implementation of independent redistricting commissions to ensure that district boundaries are drawn fairly and without partisan bias. She emphasizes that fair districting is essential for creating a representative government that truly reflects the will of the people. By advocating for fair districting and supporting efforts to end gerrymandering, individuals can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive political system.

3. The Impact of Money in Politics

In her book, Abrams explores the influence of money in politics and its detrimental effects on democracy. She discusses how the influx of corporate and special interest money in elections can drown out the voices of ordinary citizens and skew policy decisions in favor of the wealthy and powerful.

Abrams emphasizes the need for campaign finance reform to reduce the influence of money in politics. She suggests measures such as publicly financed elections, stricter disclosure requirements, and overturning the Citizens United Supreme Court decision. By advocating for campaign finance reform and supporting candidates who prioritize reducing the influence of money in politics, individuals can help create a more equitable and democratic political system.

4. The Importance of Civic Engagement

Abrams stresses the significance of civic engagement in "Our Time Is Now." She argues that democracy thrives when citizens actively participate in the political process, from voting in elections to engaging in grassroots activism.

Abrams encourages individuals to get involved in their communities, join advocacy organizations, and run for office themselves. She believes that by actively participating in democracy, individuals can shape the policies and decisions that affect their lives. Through her own experiences as a community organizer and politician, Abrams demonstrates the power of civic engagement in bringing about meaningful change.

5. The Need for Universal Access to Education

In her book, Abrams highlights the importance of universal access to quality education. She argues that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.

Abrams advocates for increased funding for public schools, equitable distribution of resources, and access to affordable higher education. She emphasizes that investing in education is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity for a thriving society. By supporting policies that prioritize education and advocating for equal access to educational opportunities, individuals can contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future.

6. The Fight Against Voter ID Laws

Abrams delves into the issue of voter ID laws in "Our Time Is Now." She explains how these laws disproportionately affect marginalized communities, particularly people of color, who may face barriers in obtaining the required identification.

Abrams argues that voter ID laws are a form of voter suppression and advocates for their repeal. She suggests implementing alternative methods of verifying voter identity, such as signature matching or allowing individuals without IDs to sign an affidavit affirming their identity. By raising awareness about the impact of voter ID laws and supporting efforts to eliminate them, individuals can help ensure that every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote.

7. The Importance of Counting Every Vote

Abrams emphasizes the importance of counting every vote in "Our Time Is Now." She shares her own experience of running for governor of Georgia and the challenges she faced due to voter suppression and the mishandling of ballots.

Abrams argues that every eligible vote should be counted, and efforts should be made to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the electoral process. She calls for improved election administration, increased funding for election infrastructure, and the implementation of safeguards to protect against voter disenfranchisement. By advocating for fair and transparent election processes and supporting organizations that work towards these goals, individuals can help safeguard the integrity of democracy.

8. The Power of Grassroots Organizing

Abrams highlights the power of grassroots organizing in "Our Time Is Now." She shares her experiences of mobilizing communities and building coalitions to effect change.

Abrams encourages individuals to get involved in grassroots movements, join community organizations, and work together to address systemic issues. She believes that change starts from the ground up and that collective action can bring about transformative results. By engaging in grassroots organizing and supporting community-led initiatives, individuals can contribute to building a more just and inclusive society.