Greg Palast introduces his latest documentary, Vigilantes Inc., a film that details the attempt by the GOP to set up Jim Crow laws to suppress the votes of POC and Democratic voters.
Greg Palast releases Vigilantes Inc.
Podcasts (Video — Audio)
Greg Palast, an investigative journalist known for exposing voter suppression and electoral injustice, has again shaken the foundations of America’s voting system with his latest documentary, Vigilantes Inc.: America’s New Vote Suppression Hitman. The film, narrated by Rosario Dawson and produced by Martin Sheen and Leonardo DiCaprio, exposes the disturbing and often underreported tactics used to suppress votes, particularly those of marginalized communities. Released for free streaming on SaveYourVote.org, the film comes at a critical time, with elections around the corner and an increasing number of voters at risk of being disenfranchised.
The Documentary’s Urgent Message
In the documentary, Palast pulls back the curtain on modern-day voter suppression tactics, which, as he points out, have their roots in the Jim Crow era but have now been updated with new, more sophisticated mechanisms of disenfranchisement. Palast draws attention to how Republicans have weaponized laws that allow private citizens—so-called “vigilantes”—to challenge the eligibility of other voters en masse, particularly targeting communities of color.
For instance, Palast recounts the story of Major Galo Turner, an African American officer sent to California by the Pentagon. Turner was stunned to learn that his absentee ballot had been challenged by a Republican vigilante in Georgia, effectively stripping him of his right to vote unless he returned to Georgia to prove his citizenship—a process reminiscent of Jim Crow-era tactics that required Black citizens to “prove” their right to participate in democracy.
Palast’s documentary isn’t just about exposing voter suppression but also about mobilizing and empowering viewers. The urgency of this film lies in its call to action—urging people to take steps to protect their right to vote, from checking voter registration status to advocating against discriminatory laws.
Vigilantes and Mass Challenges
One of the most alarming revelations in Vigilantes Inc. is the re-emergence of mass voter challenges. As Palast explains, these challenges allow individual citizens to question the legitimacy of voters in their community, and these challenges disproportionately target Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American voters—often based on little more than ethnic-sounding names or addresses that don’t match voting rolls due to normal residential moves.
Palast details how these challenges, initiated by groups like True the Vote, have ramped up across states like Georgia, where a mere 88 self-proclaimed vigilantes challenged the voting rights of over 180,000 people. By election day, the number of these voter challenges is expected to reach over 1 million, most of them affecting communities of color.
For example, in southern Georgia, Alton Russell, a Republican Party chairman, personally challenged 4,000 voters—most of whom were Black soldiers who had been relocated to other military bases. Although often based on scant or inaccurate information, these challenges create barriers for voters, who are forced to jump through bureaucratic hoops to prove their right to vote, all while their ballots hang in the balance.
The Role of High-Profile Figures
Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Sheen, and Rosario Dawson lend their names and voices to Vigilantes Inc., amplifying the film’s reach and underscoring its importance. By offering the film for free online, these public figures are leveraging their platforms to raise awareness about the growing threats to democracy in the U.S.
Rosario Dawson’s narration brings a powerful and poignant tone to the documentary. At the same time, Martin Sheen, known for portraying the idealistic President Bartlett in The West Wing, adds weight to the film’s message. Their involvement helps drive home the idea that voter suppression isn’t just a niche issue—it’s a national crisis that requires immediate attention.
The Broader Context of Voter Suppression
Palast’s documentary situates the current wave of voter suppression within a broader historical context. The voter challenges and vigilante actions we see today have deep roots in the Jim Crow era, when Black voters were subjected to impossible tests and arbitrary laws designed to disenfranchise them. Palast draws a direct line between those old tactics and today’s challenges, showing that while the methods may have evolved, the underlying intent remains the same: to limit the political power of minority communities.
This suppression is not limited to Georgia. Palast’s investigation reveals that 43 states have laws allowing similar voter challenges, many of which have not been used since the 1940s. In the post-2020 landscape, however, they are being weaponized to unprecedented levels. Palast warns that if unchecked, these laws could prevent millions from voting, with catastrophic consequences for democracy.
Why Vigilantes Inc. Matters Now
As the 2024 elections approach, Palast’s film serves as a clarion call for vigilance and activism. The threats to voting rights are no longer confined to backroom deals or overt government actions; they are now being carried out in plain sight by private citizens emboldened by a political system that permits and encourages their interference.
While the documentary highlights the dark and sometimes absurd lengths these vigilantes will go to, Palast stresses that it is not meant to depress viewers. Instead, it aims to empower them. The film is a reminder that citizens still have the power to fight back—by ensuring they are registered to vote, showing up at the polls, and holding accountable those who seek to undermine democracy.
Palast emphasizes the importance of proactive measures, urging viewers to visit SaveYourVote.org to check their registration status and learn how to protect their vote. The site offers tools and resources to help voters navigate the complex landscape of voter suppression, including a hotline for legal assistance at the polls.
Conclusion
Vigilantes Inc. is more than just a documentary—it’s a wake-up call. Greg Palast has once again used his investigative prowess to shine a light on the underbelly of American politics, revealing the systematic efforts to disenfranchise millions of voters. With the involvement of high-profile figures like Leonardo DiCaprio, Martin Sheen, and Rosario Dawson, this film has the potential to reach a wide audience and galvanize action at a critical time for American democracy.
In a political climate where voter suppression is on the rise, Vigilantes Inc. reminds us that democracy is not a given—it must be fought for, defended, and protected, particularly for the most vulnerable among us.
Viewers are encouraged to subscribe and join the conversation for more insightful commentary and to support progressive messages. Together, we can populate the internet with progressive messages that represent the true aspirations of most Americans.
Most Independent Progressive outlets struggle to raise the funds they need to operate, much like the smaller outlets like Politics Done Right.
Independent Media needs you
If you like what we do, please do the following!
- Become Patreon here.
- SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel here.
- SUBSCRIBE to our Facebook Page here.
- SUBSCRIBE to our Podcast here.
- Support our GoFundMe equipment fund here.
- Share our blogs, podcasts, and videos.
- Consider contributing here.