CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Local Black clergy and community leaders are addressing the sharp decline in early voting numbers. They gathered outside of the Board of Elections Wednesday in Midtown.
Organizers with the Charlotte Black Voter Project say data shows Black voters in the county are currently being outvoted by a margin of more than two to one.
Faith and civic leaders highlighted lower turnout at polling sites in traditional Black corridors, including West Boulevard, Beatties Ford, and Hornets Nest. They are urging voters not to get discouraged by uncompetitive local races, but to recognize the critical statewide contests and constitutional amendments affecting residents.
Colette Forrest with the Charlotte Black Voter Project says, “There is something on this ballot for everybody. Everybody, including our children. It’s incredibly important for people to vote the entire ballot from the top to the bottom and get out, bring your photo ID.”
Advocates are urging voters to take advantage of in-person early voting, which ends at 3 pm on Saturday, October 31. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
