Georgia voting rights activists speak on election issues
ATLANTA, Ga. (WJBF) – With just 18 days to go until Election Day, there's a renewed push to reach minority, younger and first time voters this election season.
Voting groups are going door-to-door and helping voters understand the issues at stake instead of simply voting based on party lines.
In the final home stretch of the 2024 election season, voting rights activists are using cards to reach voters to understand key issues on the ballot.
"The New Georgia Project" is partnering up with Black Men Lab and introducing a concept called "Voting is a Vibe" specifically targeting African American men around the state.
They're asking them to pledge on a certain issue come November 5th, things like cannabis reform, ending police brutality, mental health resources as well as better wage opportunities for Georgians.
"It's about where you stand on the issue and how that issue affects you, so instead of aligning yourself to a party and when you go to the issue and look at the candidates and choose the person that best represents you," said voting rights activist, Jamae Rooks.
For African American male voters, those issues include criminal justice reform, and affordable housing. Another campaign, called "Dirty South", helps younger or newer voters understand the broader issues like legalizing marijuana, preventing hospital closures, climate justice concerns and canceling federal student loan debt.
"Both of our pledge have the same issues but one is centered around black men because we have learned that black men are high opportunity voters," said Rooks.
Activists say people should do their research and vote on specific issues instead of just a party.
"We are taking civic education where the people are. Instead of making people go to a candidate or waiting until election, all year around we go into neighborhoods who only see elected officials around this time, to let them know how important they are and we want to hear their voice and be a part of the change making process," said Rooks.
The New Georgia Project, so far, has already registered 50,000 new voters specifically focusing on younger and marginalized groups.
You have until October 25 to request an absentee ballot. You have until November 1st to vote early and election day is Tuesday, November 5th.
