Women Unite in Columbia to Boost Civic Engagement Ahead of Elections

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Women Turning Out for Democracy!

Excitement filled the air in COLUMBIA recently as women from all walks of life came together for a special event: a meet and greet with female candidates vying for upcoming elections. It was a remarkable chance for local women to connect with candidates who reflect their own experiences, a wonderful way to bolster civic engagement and informed voting!

More Women at the Polls

Did you know that in at least four Midlands counties, more women participated in the February Presidential Primaries than men? The data from the State Election Commission has revealed that this trend is not just limited to the primaries. In both Lexington and Richland counties, since the start of the year, the number of registered female voters has consistently outnumbered their male counterparts. This makes it a pivotal time for women in the area as they make their voices heard.

Gathering for Change

At the recent event, attendees were eager to hear from the 20+ women candidates running for important positions like school board, county council, and the state house of representatives. Trinessa Kirby, a guest at the gathering, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Let me hear what they have to say, who wants my vote?” It was evident that women want transparency and connection with those who are asking for their support!

Another participant, Kahlia Aposhian, shared how she found out about the event through a colleague’s LinkedIn message. She commented, “I definitely wanted to really do my part to be more civically engaged and find out what’s going on in our communities and our counties.” Her dedication to staying informed is truly inspiring!

The Voice of Women in Leadership

Leading the event was the South Carolina Women in Leadership organization. Their mission is to empower women to take on leadership roles, offering resources, training, and essential networking opportunities. Sara Ballard, the executive director, remarked on the significance of women in public service, stating, “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.”

Beyond the Numbers

Shannon Polvi, another attendee, highlighted the progress made over the years in representation, saying, “Our last study said 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 the progress that we want to see reflected in the general populous.” Her sentiment resonates with many as they recognize the importance of representation in both the judiciary and political arenas.

Stirring Up the Civic Spirit

This event was likely one of the last organized gatherings before Election Day. But for those women eager to make their voices count, there are abundant resources available for those looking to learn more about candidates on the ballot and the voting process itself.

If you missed this gathering but still want to get involved, the South Carolina Women in Leadership has plenty of information on their website, so checking it out is a great next step!

The Call to Action

This inspiring event in COLUMBIA illuminated the strength and unity of women as they push for increased participation in governance. With a spotlight on women candidates, the energy in the room was palpable, showing that informed voting and civic duty are alive and well in the community. It’s a reminder to every woman: your voice matters, so let’s make it heard!