COLUMBIA, S.C.: Building Awareness as Election Season Approaches
This past Saturday morning, residents of Columbia, South Carolina, gathered at the First Nazareth Baptist Church for an engaging event aimed at empowering citizens as election season kicks into gear. The occasion was the Men’s Day Political Forum, organized by the church in collaboration with the Get Out The Vote Committee. As enthusiasm builds for the upcoming elections in November 2024, this forum served as a crucial platform for voter education.
Why Attend the Forum?
The event had a clear focus: providing important resources about how to register to vote and staying informed on significant deadlines for early and absentee voting. Deacon Socrates Greene, one of the organizers, emphasized the importance of making sure everyone knows about their voting rights and responsibilities. “There are three arms to get out to vote: voter registration, voter education, and voter outreach, what we call getting souls to the polls,” he said. “So, this was an education arm.”
Learning and Sharing
Many locals who attended the forum left with a wealth of knowledge. One of the highlights of the event was listening to guest speakers like Dr. Jim Felder, who shared crucial information on where residents can find sample ballots, as well as early voting locations scattered throughout the Midlands. Attendees were also informed about how they can catch up on absentee voting if they find themselves unable to vote in person. For those considering the absentee option, it was highlighted that voters need to request their mail-in ballots by the upcoming deadline of October 25th, 2024.
The Impact of Current Events
Interestingly, many of the attendees mentioned the current political climate inspired them to join the forum and learn more about the issues at stake in the upcoming election. One notable initiative discussed was Project 2025, a proposed transition project from the conservative Heritage Foundation. This proposal has drawn criticism from Democrats, who have dubbed it “dangerous.” With lively discussions about the ramifications of such initiatives, it was clear that many felt a heightened sense of urgency to engage with the electoral process and educate themselves further.
Encouragement to Connect
Deacon Socrates Greene underscored the primary goal of the forum — to arm citizens with knowledge they can share with others. “(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 expressed. This message resonated through the crowd, reminding everyone present how important it is to keep the conversation about voting alive, especially as the election approaches.
Important Dates to Remember
As the crunch time for the upcoming elections approaches, residents are encouraged to take note of important dates. Voter registration remains open online until October 6, 2024, providing ample time for those who need to register. Early voting kicks off a little later, starting on October 21st, 2024, and runs until November 2nd, 2024. These windows offer a fantastic opportunity for those who may find it challenging to cast their votes on Election Day.
Engaging the Younger Generation
Greene also pointed out an exciting opportunity for the younger generation looking to get involved. “You only have to be 16 years old to be a poll worker,” he mentioned. This opportunity not only allows young people to play an active role in the democracy but also fosters a sense of responsibility and engagement that could last a lifetime.
Conclusion
As Columbia heads toward the critical November elections, events like the Men’s Day Political Forum are helping to shape an informed electorate. By providing everyone with the necessary tools and knowledge, communities can foster civic engagement that helps drive the democratic process. As Deacon Greene aptly noted, “We want to encourage people to vote.” With this spirit, folks in Columbia are gearing up to make their voices heard this election season.
