Voting rights icon Stacey Abrams nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize

When it comes to Georgia’s blue wave during the 2020 presidential election — and the Senate run-offs in January — Democrats have one person to thank for their success: Stacey Abrams. The former Georgia representative has spent years registering voters in the state, particularly after losing a tumultuous governor’s race there back in 2018. And now she’s being recognized for her efforts as one of the nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Reported by Reuters, Abrams has received the nomination for her efforts to boost voter turnout during the 2020 election cycle, something she’s been celebrated for repeatedly on social media.

“Abrams’ work follows in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s footsteps in the fight for equality before the law and for civil rights,” said Norway parliament member, Lars Haltbrekken, per the news outlet. “Abrams’ efforts to complete King’s work are crucial if the United States of America shall succeed in its effort to create fraternity between all its peoples and a peaceful and just society.”

There’s no denying that Abrams’ work in Georgia has ignited the interest and dedication of an entire generation of voters, and that she’s made the most of her loss to Republican Brian Kemp. Through her Fair Fight Action campaign, Abrams has raised awareness and fought back against voter suppression, not just in Georgia, but across the U.S.

Speaking to The New York Times about Georgia’s Democratic victories, Abrams placed the credit back onto the voters, however:

"“I think it’s really important, as much as people are excited about the proactive work that we were able to do to bring voters to the polls, we cannot ignore the incredible change that was wrought because voters were actually able to make it through the gantlet and get their votes counted.”"

Other nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize include environmental activist Greta Thunberg, the Black Lives Matter movement, the World Health Organization, and more. Multiple U.S. presidents have received the laureate, including Barack Obama, Theodore Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, and Woodrow Wilson. Former Vice President Al Gore is also among the U.S. winners.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee will reveal the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate in October.