Alabama’s conservative base stands at a crossroads. In 2010, we shattered 136 years of Democratic rule, sweeping the statehouse in a red wave that stunned the nation. That victory proved our strength, but today, our grip is slipping – not from a liberal surge, but from our own apathy, division, and the outsized influence of political action committees (PACs). Voter turnout is dwindling, and without action, the political pendulum could swing left, undoing our hard-won gains. It’s time to unite, re-engage, and restore elections to the people.
Many voters have become disengaged and disillusioned. Voter turnout tells a grim story. In 1960, over 60% of Alabama’s eligible voters turned out for the Kennedy-Nixon presidential election, fueled by national fervor. By 1996, that number plummeted to 48%, as many shrugged at Clinton vs. Dole.
Midterm elections fare worse: 1974 saw just 38% turnout, and even the 1994 “Republican Revolution” mustered only 53%. Primaries, where we shape the party’s future, are abysmal – 23% in 1996, 29% in 1992’s heated races.
Special elections? Forget it. The recent District 11 special election drew a mere 9% turnout, with Blount County at 7%.
When conservatives stay home, we surrender our voice. This apathy empowers the wrong forces. Many Alabama candidates rely on PACs and big business for 80% of their campaign funds, sidelining individual donors. Some politicians, draped in GOP red, are opportunists who switched parties after 2010 to save their careers, not to champion our values. Their votes often favor special interests over the conservative principles – limited government, family values, and personal freedom – that define us. Meanwhile, voter disillusionment grows, fragmenting our movement and weakening our resolve.
We have become a fragmented movement and our low turnout reflects more than laziness; it signals a fractured conservative base. Across Alabama, grassroots groups like Eagle Forum, Moms for Liberty, tea party chapters, and county GOP clubs push similar agendas – lower taxes, school choice, Second Amendment rights – but operate in silos. This scatters our strength, allowing PACs and lobbyists to dominate Montgomery. The 2010 red wave showed what’s possible when we’re united, but without coordination, our voices are drowned out, and elections become auctions for the highest bidder.
We can reverse this tide, starting at the local level. First, attend your county GOP executive committee meetings. Held monthly or quarterly, these open sessions – two hours or less – reveal who’s running, what’s at stake, and how you can shape the process. In Morgan, Jefferson, Baldwin or Shelby Counties, these meetings are hubs for conservative activism. Join if openings exist or simply show up to become a savvier voter.
Second, we need a statewide conservative “clearing house” to unite our fragmented groups. Picture a coalition – perhaps an online platform or quarterly summits – where Eagle Forum, Moms for Liberty, tea parties, and GOP clubs align on priorities like education savings accounts, pro-life policies, or legislative efforts. By pooling resources and launching joint campaigns, we’d amplify our impact in Montgomery and beyond.
Finally, vote in primaries. Only 15–30% of us turned out for Alabama’s primaries from the 1960s to 1990s, and 2024’s primary hit just 21%. Skipping these lets PACs and party-switchers pick our candidates. Your March vote shapes the party more than your November one.
The path forward has us looking at 2025 municipal elections and the 2026 midterms. Alabama’s conservative legacy hangs in the balance. Attend a meeting. Join a coalition. Vote in primaries. The 2010 red wave showed our power, but it fades without action. Let’s reclaim our elections – not for PACs or turncoats, but for the principles that make Alabama strong. The threshold is now.
Charles "Kip" Kiplinger is Vice President of North Central Alabama Republican Assembly. He invites those who want to get involved in local politics to reach him at [email protected].
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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