Polls Don’t Vote: Mobilizing an Educated and Energized Electorate for the 2024 Election
As we all look ahead, to the November 5th presidential election, some political pundits haven’t spoken well of the re-election campaign of President Joe Biden, nor of his chances of winning the contest with the former president. This appears to be the results of various recent polls, as well as the President ‘s less than stellar performance in the debate with the former president.
Among the variety of views on polls and their history, is that “polls don’t vote” nor “do they contact every potential voter!”, in any given election. That’s why the main focus, going forward, must be connecting an educated and energized electorate while concentrating on a huge turnout this November.
What does this look like? Who will take the lead?
In the meantime, various barriers have been identified, as hindering voter registration, participation and turnout. We recognize that the number of community based organizations is on the rise and we will continue to amplify their messages and hopefully, assist them in increasing their impact on the specifics of voter eligibility, voter awareness of how government works and what is now most important – Voter Turnout.
On June 29th, there occurred a spirited discussion on the foregoing topics, with representatives of The Power Of One and Black Independent Voters Association, in consideration of how to raise voter awareness, developing plans to publicize common goals and to have a more positive impact on elections outcomes. This session led to the identification of voter’s needs that must be addressed.
Herein, the following aspects were determined as necessary:
Increase Voter Education : who is eligible to vote, Develop Plans To Support Initiatives: Identify resources for printing of flyers, Locate sources for donations, Develop Plans To Support Transportation Needs. Share specific examples of the impact elections can have in the areas of civil rights, education, housing availability, food security and employment.
Information sources were also identified as The League of Women Voters, local libraries, candidate forums or websites and Bexar County Elections.
The Power of One will continue to seek allies, in their efforts to raise voter turnout and to strengthen voter empowerment, as we move forward.
Elections have both benefits and consequences. We are hopeful that voters would prefer the former as opposed to the latter.
