Today isn’t just a run of the mill special election for Senate, the Alabama race is one of the most closely watched political races in recent memory. Polls are now open and voter turnout is going to make all the difference. There is one group in particular that can make or break the election. For Doug Jones to beat Roy Moore in Alabama there is no question about it, he needs black voters to turn out in huge numbers.

NBC News reports, “African-Americans make up about 27 percent of the state’s population.” It’s a part of the population some Jones supporters have been heavily courting. NJ Senator Cory Booker spent some time in Alabama earlier this week, campaigning with Jones.

Booker said, “I went to rallies, to many churches, college campuses, and there is a feeling that this is a movement down there. It’s not just a campaign, but there is something larger at stake.”

Former President Barack Obama has also recorded a robocall telling potential voters, “This one’s serious, get out and vote. You can’t sit it out.”

Members of the Alabama NAACP have been doing their part as well to rally black voters, launching a campaign called “Vote Out Loud.” Bernard Simelton, President of the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, gave us this statement.

“Today, we have an opportunity to change Washington and chart a different course for our children. It’s our time to rise up Alabama and take a stand for Healthcare, for our children, for education and for future generations.  We have the power to determine who will well represent us. We must not give in to darkness. We must resist dark money and back door politics. We must stand with a strong voice of unity, let our light shine and vote. This fight can not be left for our children. It is up to us – the power is in our hands. We know these are dark times, when our government chooses party over country and immorality over decency and dignity; the question we pose to all Alabamians is, what are you going to do about it? We must not sit at home on December 12th – Rise Up Alabama – Go out and Vote!”