Groups work to lure more people to pollsBy Adam Parker (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Voter participation in the United States has been in a long decline. Voting in S.C.2000 2004 In 1964, a year after the assassination of President Kennedy, nearly 96 percent of registered voters went to the polls (62 percent of the population), electing Lyndon B. Johnson over Barry Goldwater by a big margin, according to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. In 2000, just 67.4 percent of registered voters (49 percent of the population) participated in the presidential election pitting George W. Bush against Al Gore. The South Carolina Progressive Network hopes the trend will be reversed this year. The group continues its Missing Voter Project this month, sponsoring four voter registration training sessions in partnership with branches of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the South Carolina Voter Education Project. If you goWHAT: Missing Voter training WHEN: 7-9 p.m. Thursday WHERE: Morris Brown AME Church, 13 Morris St., Charleston COST: Free The S.C. Progressive Network offers regular voter registration training in conjunction with local organizations. Sessions will be held in Columbia on Tuesday and in Greenville on Aug. 21. For more information or to set up a training session, call 803-808-3384 or write to network@scpronet.com. WHAT: Unity Festival WHEN: 5-9 p.m. Saturday WHERE: New Covenant Church of God, 7363 Stall Road, North Charleston COST: Free On Thursday, organizers will hold a two-hour session, from 7-9 p.m., at Morris Brown AME Church on Morris Street in downtown Charleston to instruct participants on using new tools and strategies for registration drives. "I can't tell someone that just registering and voting is going to change their life," said S.C. Progressive Network Director Brett Bursey. "The system itself is broken. Due to the creation of 'safe' districts for incumbent legislators, we have the least competitive legislative races in the nation, with most seats being uncontested. And the sad reality is that 98 percent of the candidates who spend the most money are the ones who win." Bursey said one of the goals of the Missing Voter Project is to re-enfranchise unregistered people who have given up on the system. "We need to build a base of support, a movement for social justice, that politicians will have to respect," Bursey said. "We are registering people to vote, not to support a particular candidate, but to become part of the movement that will have the power to actualize our values." The Rev. Joe Darby, pastor of Morris Brown AME Church, said he has known Bursey for decades and has worked in tandem with the Progressive Network to get people registered to vote. "What always horrifies me is that no matter what side of the political spectrum you're on, there is a relatively small number of people who actually elect our public servants," Darby said. The AME Church takes voter participation seriously, requiring its congregations to report the number of registered members, he said. About 88 percent of Morris Brown's members are registered to vote. More info-- State Election Commission: scvotes.org -- S.C. Progressive Network: scpronet.com -- International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance: idea.int Dot Scott, president of the Charleston chapter of the NAACP, said she is working with the Latino community to get out the vote. The Unity Festival, a back-to-school event from 5-9 p.m. at New Covenant Church of God in North Charleston on Saturday, will offer school supplies, activities and information on voter registration, Scott said. NAACP youth group members will target high school seniors, at the event and in the community, who will be 18 before Election Day in November, she said. WHO MAY VOTE To be eligible to register in South Carolina you must: -- Be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 on or before the next election. -- Be a resident of South Carolina. -- Not be under a court order declaring you mentally incompetent. -- Not be in prison because of conviction of a crime. -- Have never been convicted of a felony or an offense against election laws. -- Have served the entire sentence if previously convicted of a crime, including probation or parole, or have received a pardon for the conviction. You must be registered at least 30 days before any election in order to vote in that election. Registration by mail applications must be postmarked at least 30 days before that particular election to be eligible. You can register in person at their county board of voter registration or you can download a form from scvotes.org, complete it, and mail it to the county board of voter registration. |
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Comments
This article has 27 comment(s)
Posted by NativeSon on August 13, 2008 at 4:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
96 % elected LBJ and we all know what a big mistake that was. Perhaps we should leave things alone.
Posted by moonpie on August 13, 2008 at 6:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Voting slowed because we are forced to pick between the lessor of two evils every election. Just as this election will be. But I will vote and not for Obama the flip flopper.
" Republican because everyone CAN'T BE ON WELFARE! "
Posted by zoomru on August 13, 2008 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What....
In 4 years OUR population only went up 100K ??
LOL LOL LOL
What outright foolishness !!!
Who wrote this article....ADAM PARKER ?? I suggest you get out and take a look around??
Alright Charles ROWE..... you rascal YOU! Thanks for the JOKE ! Stop this CRAP...right NOW !!
Posted by theronce on August 13, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I, for one, do not particularly want more people voting. Too many people subsidized by the government are voting now. The down side is that with less participation comes fewer votes needed to re-elect the professional politicians.
Posted by drp7773 on August 13, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
mmm Church and state, meeting at the church mmmm will the prescher be there maybe wright, will he be speaking does this not mean they will have to pay taxes now. So blacks meeeting at a church to get blacks to vote is ok to report but if this said whites meet at a church to do the same thing mmmm bet it would never make it through the day without the aclu,naacp etc. picketing, TV news damning it. and we wonder why racisim never dies..
Posted by charlestonpride on August 13, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Obama's people were "scouting" the prisons to see who would be getting out before the election, to get them registered to vote. They were booted off, because you can't do that type of activity on Fed. property, plus if you have a felony you can't vote anyway.
Too bad there won't be a button to press that will say..
NONE OF THE ABOVE!
Posted by TL on August 13, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just what SC needs, more uneducated & uninformed voters. What a scheme, just tell ignorant voters that you will rob the state treasury and give them the money via programs. Joe Darby's AME church is clearly breaking the law and should lose tax exempt status. I love it when stupidity is given the spotlight.
Posted by amylrod on August 13, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This past Spring when Berkeley was voting for state representatives, I asked one of the poll workers what we had to do if anyone wanted to submit a write in candidate. Nobody knew!!! I want to know who do I contact to make sure Berkeley County knows how to handle write-ins as I am not voting for either presidential candidate, Lindsey Graham, or Brown. The Republicans can't govern, the democrats are socialists..that leaves me with only one possible choice, write in or a no vote. I would also like to see a "none of the Above" on the ballot.
Posted by JustJennings on August 13, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Democracy in this country is a sham. It can't function when the people voting don't know what is going on. We don't even know how our state legislators vote on most bills, and the Freedom of Information Act is a joke with no penalty and is regularly violated by those receiving public salaries. People aren't voting because their votes don't matter. This country is run by corporate interests.
Posted by zekemire on August 13, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The Progressive networks are pure unadulterated socialist nuts! Why cannot they use a name that gives full light to their agenda? Socialist, marxist, liberals intent on changing the structure of the USA by mounting an agenda of registering those 18 to 21 who have no clue about the serious fallout of a vote cast because of some higher social, socialist agenda! If a person cannot be elected President until the age of 35, then you should have to be 35 to vote for president! If you receive any government subsidy, whether it be medicare, medicaid or social security, you should not be allowed to vote on any proposal to increase your dole from the government, PERIOD! If you do not own property, you should not be able to vote on any proposal that would increase property taxes! There was an official in England in the 1500's who said when those who receive money from the government realize that they can vote themselves more and more from that government, democracy is lost! I believe Thomas Jefferson made the same statement when the Constitution was written, and, THAT IS WHY THERE IS NO CONSTITUTINAL RIGHT TO VOTE!!!!!!! It is time that we make some rules about who can and who cannot vote or we lose our GREAT DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC!
Posted by cwmcpa on August 13, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems that one of the requirements would be a pulse.
Posted by JohnS on August 13, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It's great they want to help those who don't have a ride to the polls. Bus rentals will be heavy this Nov.
Posted by STREETLAW on August 13, 2008 at 12:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)
After 16 years of Bill Clinton and George Bush, it should be obvious to all that ANYONE can run this country.
What we have to be concerned about is how much of it the next president will give away.
John McCain has payed a dear price for being a patriotic defender of democracy. And I would suppose he will continue to do so. Not so sure about Obama.
Posted by madd_dog2020 on August 13, 2008 at 12:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All you racist bastards can go to H..., and take all your republican bothers and sisters with you. Confederate flag waving rednecks.
Posted by madd_dog2020 on August 13, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The greatest thing about life is there is birth and death; my desire is for all hateful individual,like you people hurry up and do the latter, so the U.S. and the world can become a better place.
Posted by iceman1978 on August 13, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To be honest with you I don't consider low voter turnout to necessarily be a bad thing. There are some people that I would prefer they stay home on election day. People with off-the-wall political views, people who are uninformed and don't keep up with what's going on, people who are uneducated, etc.
Posted by madd_dog2020 on August 13, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
John McCain’s time was eight years ago, but his on party slander his character by insinuating that he fathered a black child; which later turned out to be SC favorite character (Strom); the leader of the confederate flag waver’s, guess he also pulled the wool over your eyes. Most of you believed this to be true about McCain; what hypocrites all of you are, but now he’s such a swell guy’s; ya’ll favorite person. I guess eight years ago the joke was on you guys, but the punch line is still the same eight years later; Republican’s will fall for anything.
Posted by madd_dog2020 on August 13, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL. madd_dog telling folks to go to h*** and die and then having the audacity to call people on this board hateful?? Very interesting indeed. Yes, folks are so hateful, only wanting US citizens to vote in our elections. So out of line. Only wanting people to vote that make the effort to go get themselves registered instead of some special interest group going after them to get their candidate elected. So hateful. Wanting to maintain some kind of integrity in our elections...so hateful. We folks on the right must learn that we have no rights to our opinions at least not without the left hurling their cuss words at us and name calling.
H***, is not cuss word, it is a place, read the bible.
Posted by madd_dog2020 on August 13, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow. You actually read the Bible? With the hateful posts you write? Hmmmm.....Oh, telling someone to go to H*** is not nice and wishing people dead is not nice. And you wish it, simply because you don't agree with them. Too many folks on the left don't believe folks on the right have any right to their opinions. Very scary indeed. That is why the Dems in congress tried to tax the internet last year. It has been postponed for another 7 years and should never be allowed to happen. The "Fairness Doctrine" is another example where the Dems in Congress want to shut down conservative talk radio by having the liberal viewpoint aired on those shows. It would be nice to have a civil discussion with someone on the left without the name calling, telling us to die, etc. It never happens though.
Know one has tried to take away public opinion more than the Republican’s; please do some research before typing. Dem don't go to war because other country doesn’t agree with them, talking about not allowing others to have an opinion. One thing for sure, we don't loud talk everyone who doesn't share our views. Republican are aways angry. Death is mention in the bible; try reading it, it will do wonders for you; it might even educate you.
Posted by guidedbystewart on August 13, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Typical RW (Redneck Withoutaclue),
Liberals are demons...blah blah blah Commie! blah blah blah, it all the liberals fault blah blah blah if you don't believe in my backwoods point of view then your a liberal blah blah blah liberal run from the truth blah blah blah!Obama is a muslim blah blah blah name one thing liberals have not messed up blah blah blah.
Sounds like nonsense right? yep, me too.
Jane, if you buy what RW says, your just as big of an idiot as he is.
Posted by guidedbystewart on August 13, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
oh I forgot to ad RW's signature LOL after his comments, silly me.
Posted by guidedbystewart on August 13, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Jane, nope, it not all about the name calling. Just expressing my opinion, and in my heart felt opinion, if you reply positively to RW's ignorant comments, your an idiot. Really it is all to do with logic. Like , all people that agrees with RW is an idiot. You agreed with RW, therefore you are an idiot. Basic Logic
Posted by guidedbystewart on August 13, 2008 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I respect others opinions. The main problem I have with like of Rw, is that he name call, babbles, lie tell lies and really doesn't give much of an alternative viewpoint that holds any ration, logic or truth to it. To me it just a buch of nonsense. The thing is RW is the one that the name caller. I guess you didn't get the gist of my post to RW, but this was the point I was making. So if you give it, you must be able to have it dished right back at you.
Posted by guidedbystewart on August 13, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
was in a rush and had to go, so there are some proof reading errors in my response. anyhoo have to go.
Posted by madd_dog2020 on August 13, 2008 at 7 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by RW on August 13, 2008 at 6:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Guidedby/Newt,
I laugh at you two empty headed morons. Trust me I can take alot more then you'll ever be able dish out! Your man is a buffoon and the Democratic Party is about to implode! It's nothing mote than a colection of radical leftist groups. Everyone else is a Republican. The truth is the truth! The real joke is your front runner ..Muslim Barack Hussein Obama! Ha! LOL!
P.S I dont give a flying rats**& what the left thinks!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now, that's the problem, you guy's never listern and never will get it; this is why we are in the mess we are in at this present time.
JANE, christian are suppose to give a helping hand. Where is yours?
Posted by guidedbystewart on August 13, 2008 at 8:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yep, typical RW,
Except this time you left out the LOL!
You really don't add any insight to anything RW! Your blabbing goes like this: just truth this, your wrong that, pinkie blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Yes, the same old tired crap you always spew. Yes, your so convincing to anyone that halfway has a brain. BTW RW, what are the rules? I work, I pay taxes. So what is the truth your talking about? What kind of problems have your republicans solved lately? Why don't you give something new and insightful for once? You know, a little meat to your argument. Really, at least tripsa can give me an insightful argument. Come on, surprise me for once.
Posted by moonpie on August 13, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Early is right Obama is conviently black. To be proclaimed Jewish your MOTHER has to be Jewish. Using this logic Barack is considered white. Now ain't that a kicker! I think he is closer to the muslim extreme than he avows too. His brother, mother, father, and most of his family are muslims. If he is conviently black could he be conviently Christian? Man Hiliary isn't looking half bad these days is she? If she would have been nominated she would be leading McCain right now by doubles.