COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Rising Tide of Female Engagement in Local Elections
In a delightful turn of events, more women than men made their voices heard during the recent February Presidential Primaries in the Midlands area of South Carolina. This trend was spotlighted during a vibrant candidate meet and greet event held on Tuesday night, where female voters came together to engage with candidates who not only share their commitment to civic duty but also reflect their own experiences and aspirations.
Among the enthusiastic attendees was Triness Kirby, who expressed her eagerness to connect with the candidates vying for her vote. “Let me hear what they have to say, who wants my vote?” she said, showcasing the curiosity and determination of many women who are ready to make informed decisions in the voting booth.
Another participant, Kahlia Aposhian, shared her discovery of the event through a colleague on LinkedIn. She said, “I found out about Women in Leadership through a colleague of mine, and then through their newsletter, I found out about this event, which was perfect because I definitely wanted to really do my part to be more civically engaged.”
The presence of women at the polls is not just a fleeting shadow; it is a significant trend backed by recent data from the South Carolina Election Commission. In both Lexington and Richland counties, more women than men have registered to vote since January of this year. This shift is crucial in a state where women comprise 51% of the population, highlighting the necessity for their opinions and perspectives to be represented in the legislation that affects everyone.
Empowering Women Through Leadership
The event was organized by the South Carolina Women in Leadership organization. Their mission is to empower women to step into leadership roles through training, resources, and networking opportunities. Sara Ballard, the executive director, emphasized the importance of representation: “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.”
At the meet and greet, attendees had the chance to interact with over 20 women candidates who are running for various positions, including school board, county council, and the state house of representatives. The diversity and dedication among these candidates were palpable, as participants were eager to learn more about their platforms and visions for the future.
A Call for Greater Progress
Attendees like Shannon Polvi shared their concerns regarding women’s representation in the judicial system as well. “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 that we have in South Carolina,” she remarked. This sentiment echoes the feelings of many who hope to see more substantial advancements in representation across various sectors in the state.
As Election Day draws near, South Carolina Women in Leadership indicated that Tuesday’s gathering might be their last event before voting begins. However, they are committed to keeping the momentum going and continue to provide helpful voting and candidate information on their website.
The enthusiasm and determination displayed during the meet and greet serve as a reminder that every vote matters and that more women are stepping up to contribute to the democratic process. Their voices are crucial for building a community that reflects the diversity and richness of the South Carolina population.
