In the wake of Kamala Harris nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate‚ voter engagement groups have seen a boost in support. However‚ these organizations are grappling with the task of introducing Harris and her policies to potential voters.
The challenges stem from Harris late campaign start and the need to overcome earlier apathy towards a Biden-Trump rematch. Additionally‚ Republicans efforts to make inroads with Black and Latino voters have added complexity to the situation.
Siembra NC a grassroots organization focusing on Latino communities in North Carolina‚ has encountered voters willing to participate in local elections while leaving the presidential race blank. Kelly Morales‚ the groups co-director‚ explained “What weve had to do is a lot of conversations around trust-building‚ and that takes time. Its really about helping folks see that not casting a vote is also a political decision“
The organization hosted a get-out-the vote event followed by a block party in late September in Greensboro. Labor policies Harris position on the border and Trumps rhetoric about the Latino community were top issues‚ Morales said.
Voter engagement groups face several obstacles:
- Restrictive voting laws in Republican-controlled states
- Attempts to purge voter rolls
- Middle East conflict affecting voter engagement
Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Atlanta has observed both excitement and a desire for accountability from whichever party wins the election. Murtaza Khwaja‚ the groups executive director‚ noted “While theres an excitement‚ theres also this desire to hold whichever party is at the top of the ticket accountable to what our communities need“
The Harris campaign has seen a surge in support since Joe Bidens withdrawal. Voto Latino registered more than 50‚000 people in the 10 days following Bidens announcement‚ with over half being voters aged 18 to 29.
Black fraternities and sororities‚ known as “The Divine Nine“ have been a source of strength for Harris. Taylor Kerr‚ a psychology major at Spelman College‚ organized a voter registration drive stating “it was important for students to be civically engaged and have the opportunity to ask questions about registering and voting“
As the election approaches‚ voter engagement groups continue their efforts to mobilize support and overcome challenges in reaching diverse communities