November 2012

Get-out-the-vote drive in full swing

JaBrozeia Hines, Tyler Bryant and Aaron Peskett wait to board a van to an early voting site.

 

 

With election day fast-approaching — Tuesday, Nov. 6 — Saint Augustine’s University is doing all that it can to make sure students get to the polls. The last day for early voting is tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 3.

Many organizations such as Common Cause have provided transportation to the polls everyday since Oct. 22 on every campus in Raleigh, and it has been quite effective. Now that it’s crunch time, other organizations have visited Raleigh to promote their beliefs and to get out the youth vote.

An organization called 1911 United, a joint effort of the Distinguished Men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, has been all around the country with their bus speaking about the importance of voting and how much of a blessing early voting is. Major stars such as famed R&B singer Alicia Keys and comedian Kevin Hart have made their way to Chavis Park in Raleigh to voice similar message.

These organizations are targeting students like Jasmine Cobbs, a senior at Saint Augustine’s University. The pre-law Major made it her business to vote on the first day early voting started.

“Voting is a right that my ancestors fought for,” Cobbs said. “There is no excuse for any of us to not get up and let our voices be heard.”

Cobbs spent an entire weekend with Common Cause going door to door, letting Raleigh residents know that they, too, can vote early, where they can vote and how to get transportation to the polls if needed. Also, her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, mentors freshmen ladies, and she, as well as the organization’s members, have made sure their mentees have made it to the polls already.

“I will sacrifice some gas to see another victory for President Obama!” Cobbs added.

For a list of where you can early vote in Raleigh, click here.

— Aisha Taylor