National Democratic Party of Alabama facts for kids

The National Democratic Party of Alabama (NDPA) was a political group active in the state of Alabama in the United States. It was formed to oppose George Wallace, the state's governor, who supported segregation. Segregation was a system that kept people of different races separate.

The 1968 Election

During the 1968 Presidential election, Alabama's main Democratic Party supported Governor George Wallace. He was running for president with the American Independent Party. However, many Democrats in Alabama supported the national Democratic candidate, Hubert Humphrey, who was the Vice President. These supporters left the state party to back Humphrey.

Why the NDPA Was Formed

In 1968, a dentist from Huntsville named John L. Cashin, Jr. led the effort to create the NDPA. Cashin had been active in helping people register to vote. The NDPA was formed by Democrats loyal to Hubert Humphrey and the national Democratic Party. Their goal was to put forward a list of electors who would vote for Humphrey, not for Wallace.

Even though Humphrey was the national Democratic candidate, George Wallace was listed on the ballot in Alabama as the official Democratic nominee. This was similar to what happened in 1964. Back then, Alabama's Democratic electors were not required to vote for Lyndon Johnson, the national Democratic candidate.

Voting in Alabama in 1968

At that time, Alabama's ballots listed the names of electors, not the presidential candidates. So, Hubert Humphrey was supported by the "National Democratic" electors. George Wallace was supported by the "Democratic Party of Alabama" electors and other independent electors.

In the 1968 election, Wallace won a large majority of the votes in Alabama. He received about 65.86% of the vote. Humphrey came in second with about 18.72% of the vote.

After 1968: The NDPA's Activities

The NDPA continued to be active after the 1968 election. They ran candidates in many state-level races.

Running for Governor

In the Alabama gubernatorial election, 1970, John Cashin ran for governor as the NDPA candidate. He ran against George Wallace, who was easily re-elected. Cashin received about 15% of the vote.

The symbol of the NDPA was the American bald eagle. This was often seen as a rival to the rooster, which was the symbol of the traditional Democratic Party in local elections. The NDPA never won any statewide office. They lost their ability to be on the ballot in 1982.

Making a Difference Locally

The NDPA became an important voice for African American voting rights. They played a big role in local politics in areas with many Black residents. These areas included Greene County, Hale County, Perry County, Lowndes County, and Dallas County.

Helping African Americans Vote

Even though the NDPA didn't win statewide, it was very successful at the local level. They helped elect around one hundred local officials. Most of these officials were elected in the western part of Alabama. Experts have pointed to the NDPA as a successful example of a local African American political party.

Local Leaders Elected

Many elected officials gave credit to John Cashin and the NDPA for their success. These leaders included Probate Judge William McKinley Branch and Sheriff Thomas Gilmore. The NDPA had a lasting impact on politics in the "Alabama Black Belt" region for many years.