COLUMBIA, S.C. — Women Take the Lead in February Presidential Primaries
In a real show of support and civic engagement, more women have been showing up to vote in the February Presidential Primaries compared to their male counterparts in at least four counties in the Midlands. This trend was celebrated Tuesday night as female voters gathered to meet women candidates actively seeking their votes. The lovely atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as attendees took the opportunity to connect with candidates who truly reflect their experiences and aspirations.
Trinessa Kirby, one of the participants at the meet and greet event, expressed her enthusiasm about hearing directly from the candidates. “Let me hear what they have to say, who wants my vote?” she said. This sentiment echoed among many attendees who desired to not only meet the candidates but also to understand their positions on crucial matters affecting their communities.
Engaging with Candidates
Another attendee, Kahlia Aposhian, shared how she discovered the gathering through a colleague on LinkedIn. “I found out about Women in Leadership through LinkedIn, and their newsletter informed me about this event, which was perfect because I definitely wanted to do my part to be more civically engaged,” she said. Kahlia and many others were eager to learn about the candidates’ goals and initiatives that would impact their families and neighborhoods.
According to data from the South Carolina Election Commission, it’s noteworthy that not only did more women participate in the primaries, but they have also outnumbered men in voter registration since January in both Lexington and Richland counties. “Women are 51% of the population in South Carolina, and their opinions and perspectives need to be represented in the legislation that affects all of us,” stated Sara Ballard, the executive director of South Carolina Women in Leadership.
The Power of Women in Leadership
South Carolina Women in Leadership (SCWIL) hosted the event with a mission to empower women to pursue leadership roles within their communities. The gathering boasted an impressive lineup of over 20 women candidates running for various positions, including school boards, county councils, and the state house of representatives.
Attendees were reminded of the importance of representation in all forms of leadership. Shannon Polvi, another attendee, pointed out the statistics on judicial roles in the state, saying, “Our last study showed that women constituted about 22% of the judges in South Carolina. We’ve moved it by 1% to 23%. That’s progress, obviously, but it’s not enough to match the general population.” This call for equitable representation resonated deeply among the crowd.
Looking Towards the Future
As the tingle of anticipation filled the air, SCWIL announced that this would likely be the last event they hold before Election Day. However, they emphasized that voting and candidate information is readily available on their website to assist voters in making informed decisions come election time.
Women participating in the political process isn’t just a number; it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and representative governance. With more women stepping up and making their voices heard, it’s an exciting time for politics in South Carolina. The enthusiasm and involvement from voters like Trinessa and Kahlia remind us of the power within community engagement and the importance of each individual’s voice in shaping the future.
