by Robin Kemp
Tuesday is National Voter Registration Day. You can register to vote at any of several events: Take a friend, neighbor, or family member along!
- Clayton State University is hosting a Virtual National Registration Drive from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The drive is cohosted by the Political Science department and the University Library, This online drive includes a self-guided tutorial, but you also can get live support from a Clayton State volunteer. You’ll learn:
- how to register as a new voter
- how to verify and update your voter information
- where and when you can vote
- how to request an absentee ballot
The event is aimed at students but open to the general public, as well.
“We know from years of research that young people do not vote at the rates of older cohorts,” said David Peña, political science lecturer and American Democracy Project coordinator. “So, what type of policy is most likely to be prioritized? Those that satisfy voters. If you’re concerned with the cost of tuition, or if climate change is a concern, or any of the many issues facing America today, then voting is the most effective means to make your voice heard. If young people participated more and at higher rates, you might very well see a change in policy outputs from elected officials.”
Access the Virtual National Registration Drive online at https://clayton.libguides.com/elections/nvrd2020
- Clayton County is hosting a Contactless Voter Registration Drive-Thru at Tara Stadium, 1055 Battlecreek Road in Jonesboro, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Call (770) 477-3349 for details.
- You can register to vote directly on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website at https://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do
- The Clayton County Board of Elections and Registration is helping people register at the Historic Courthouse, 121 S. McDonough St. in Jonesboro, and made a video to tell you about it:
The last day to register to vote in the Presidential election is Oct. 5. The election is Nov. 3 and includes many other federal- and county-level offices, proposed law changes, and the next person to fill a full term in Rep. John Lewis’ old seat in U.S. House District 5.
The deadline has passed for the Sept. 29 special election to fill Rep .John Lewis’ unfinished term, which will end Jan. 3, 2021.
The Clayton Crescent urges all eligible citizens to register to vote, to research the candidates and issues, and to vote in every election.
