(The Center Square) – Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell's political action committee is funding a Voter Protection Program to be run by the Tennessee Democratic Party.
The program will provide information to voters in all 95 counties of Tennessee.
"This program will cut through the barriers, help voters understand their rights, navigate any obstacle deliberately placed in their way, and ensure that when their rights are threatened, someone is ready to stand with them," O'Connell said in a statement. "This is about making sure voters know their voice matters and their vote is worth protecting."
The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting a comment from the Tennessee Democratic Party on how much the political action committee is donating. O'Connell created the political action committee, known as Ready PAC, in 2023. Ready PAC had a balance of $270,560.67 as of July 17, according to online campaign records.
Members of the Tennessee Democratic Party said one of the goals of the Voter Protection Program is to ensure no one is afraid to cast their ballot.
“As a formerly undocumented immigrant and now U.S. citizen, getting to choose the direction of the country and fully participate in our democracy is a cherished duty that must be protected at all costs, especially in the face of increased fear from federal agencies in our neighborhoods that can cause a profound ripple effect," said Luis Mata, communications and deputy executive director of the Tennessee Democratic Party in a statement.
Party Chairwoman Rachel Campbell addressed the Trump administration in her comments.
"Trump and this Republican supermajority will lie, cheat, and steal to keep and expand their power – but this first step, not just in our largest cities, builds statewide infrastructure that lifts all Tennesseans now and for years to come," Campbell said in a statement.
Tennesseans have two statewide races to decide in November. Republican U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Democrat Jerri Green, and 13 independent candidates are in the gubernatorial race. Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty is facing Democrat Marquita Bradshaw in his reelection bid. Eight independent candidates will also be on the general election ballot for the post.