Turnout WINS! Local Group Promotes “Get Out the Vote” Efforts
by Kathy Grear 10/29/2018Raleigh, N.C. — Every vote counts, and Congressman G.K. Butterfield is working hard to ensure that African American voters show up in record numbers. “This is a very important election. Often people focus on the presidential elections and forget that the mid-terms are equally important. We have a chance to win the majority in the House of Representatives. With that comes the appointment of chairs to some very powerful committees. It also gives us some balance to a White House that seems without moral character. It was great to elect Barack Obama and he served with distinction. And now that his term is over, we must continue to make progress because problems remain.”
Victories in Alabama and Virginia brought hope. In Alabama Doug Jones became the first Democrat elected in a long time and Justin Fairfax’s election as Lieutenant Governor led to significant gains by Democrats in Virginia. Both were fueled by the record turnout of African American women. Black candidates for Governor of Georgia and Florida hope this can be repeated as they seek election.
Some are not leaving this to chance. Brad Thompson has been and is, leading a group of “experienced’ local leaders in an effort to make this election count. Using primarily their own resources, this group has placed ads in newspapers and on radio stations, used social media, published an e-newsletter, and used e-blasts to try to get out the word to vote. “We realized that we did not have enough energy to focus on the entire state but we recognized there were certain districts where improved African American turnout could have changed the outcome of these races. If we can just get more people to vote, we have a greater chance of improving public policy”, said Thompson. “Since the first of September we have been doing everything we know how to improve the turnout in this election. I don’t know how successful we will be, but we have given it our best effort.”
On Tuesday, November 6th it will be decided. With that comes a major decision about the future of this country. It is a good country but it could be a lot better. Every vote matters in this election. Your vote may decide who leads and what direction we take. A few votes can make a big difference. The last presidential election is proof of that. The way to ensure that your voice is heard is not to complain; it is to vote!!!
No Comments so far
Jump into a conversationNo Comments Yet!
You can be the one to start a conversation.Only registered users can comment.