Columbia Community Mobilizes for Voter Education Ahead of 2024 Elections

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gearing Up for the 2024 Elections

This past Saturday morning, excitement was in the air at First Nazareth Baptist Church as locals came together for a crucial event aimed at getting everyone ready for the upcoming election season in November 2024. The church, alongside the Get Out The Vote Committee, hosted a Men’s Day Political Forum that focused on voter education and engagement in the civic process.

Empowering the Community through Information

The voter education event was designed to arm community members with essential resources about how to register to vote, understand upcoming deadlines, and the importance of participating in elections. Deacon Socrates Greene explained the pivotal role of such forums: “There are three arms to get out to vote: voter registration, voter education, and voter outreach, what we call getting souls to the polls. So, this was an education arm.”

Insights from Influential Speakers

During the forum, attendees heard from several guest speakers, including the esteemed Dr. Jim Felder, who shared valuable insights on how residents can locate sample ballots, find early voting sites in the Midlands, and navigate the process of absentee voting. Community members learned that they can vote absentee by mail if they request their ballots before the election request deadline of October 25, 2024.

Addressing Concerns and Current Events

Many participants shared that the current political climate motivated them to attend the forum. One topic of discussion was Project 2025, a proposed presidential transition initiative from the conservative Heritage Foundation. This project has drawn its share of criticism, particularly from Democrats, who label it as “dangerous.” The forum provided a platform for community members to engage with these important topics.

Spreading the Word About Voting

Deacon Greene emphasized the importance of spreading the word about voting. “I hope that we can get some education in the hands of people, they can go and share it and encourage others to vote because that’s the name of the game,” he said. He continued to encourage the attendees to reach out to their friends and family, urging them to be involved and informed voters.

Becoming a Poll Worker

Interestingly, the forum also highlighted how even teenagers can get involved in the electoral process. Greene pointed out that individuals as young as 16 years old can serve as poll workers, providing a fantastic opportunity for younger generations to engage with democracy actively.

Key Dates to Remember

For those looking to vote, it’s essential to keep track of upcoming dates. Voter registration will be open online until October 6, 2024. Early voting kicks off on October 21 and runs until November 2, giving voters a great chance to cast their ballots before the official Election Day on November 5, 2024.

Final Thoughts

The Men’s Day Political Forum at First Nazareth Baptist Church served as a powerful reminder of the importance of being informed and engaged in the electoral process. As Columbia residents left the event, many were buzzing with newfound knowledge and inspiration to share with their peers. Let’s keep the momentum going and encourage everyone to participate in shaping our community and future through their votes!