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Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill highlighted the second day of the Alabama State GAC. He spoke for 45 minutes on the importance of the election process. He laid out how his office has worked hard to bring the election process into the 21st century in Alabama. Business Council of Alabama (BCA) Vice President of Political Affairs Nathan Lindsay closed out the conference with a look at how his company attacks grassroots activities.
Merrill said they are modernizing the election process in Alabama by going where the people are. They aren’t just visiting towns with certain hours. He says his office is going to towns and meeting at public places when they are busy. Many times that is a Saturday or Sunday. His office is going to people’s houses to get them registered, as well. The Secretary of State modernized the sign-up process online. He says it’s been more effective. Finally, he enlisted the help of Alabama football coach Nick Saban and Auburn football coach Gus Malzahn to use their likeness on posters asking citizens to vote. Each attendee was able to get a poster for their credit union.
Lindsay showed how the BCA looks at its grassroots advocacy. He said they like to call the best of the best supporters “grasstops.” He said the “grasstops” will also do what is needed when a main priority is being discussed in the legislature. The BCA works for education purposes and a collaboration was identified with a need for financial literacy across the state; credit unions can help. Lindsay ended by saying, “There are no permanent friends or permanent enemies in politics. The only constant are the priorities and the issues.”
You can see photos from the State GAC on the League’s Facebook page and the League’s Twtter feed. Search #ALSTATEGAC. Credit unions are encouraged to upload any pictures they took to the League’s Facebook page.
