North Carolina should reform the electoral process so that participation is encouraged and it should protect and strengthen the voting rights of Blacks and other minorities.
Rev. Barber: We, as people of Color, have great political power in this state, if we stand together with each other and our white progressive allies. Election reform is a high priority. Lynice Williams, our State NAACP 4th V.P. and Bob Hall, from Democracy N.C. tell us why:
DID YOU KNOW:
- North Carolina ranks among the worst 15 states for voter participation?
- that more than one million NC citizens are not even registered to vote, and 8 out of 10 of them are Black?
- we are getting less democracy in N.C. and paying more taxes?
- Lynice Williams
DID YOU KNOW:
- that the high cost of campaigns removes the political decisions from ordinary people?
- People of Color are 30% of the population, but only 17% of the General Assembly?
- that thousands of young people who get interested in a candidate in the final two weeks are out of luck, because you now have to register 25 days before the election and registering on voting day lifts voter turnout by 8 to 15%?
- Bob Hall
THEREFORE, WE DEMAND:
- the legislature enact same-day voter registration.
- the legislature set up a public financing pilot program in selected legislative districts and expand the program now in place for statewide judicial candidates to other state offices.
- the legislature mandate strict adherence to the reauthorized Voting Rights Act which strengthens efforts to prevent the diluting of Black and minority voting power.
- Lynice Williams