The Stand
Local residents met to discuss voter’s rights and lack of involvement at the A.M.E Zion Church on Monday. The sessions will continue as monthly workshops as part of a joint effort of the NAACP and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
“You have to participate if you expect to get anything out of government,” said South Side resident Khalid Bey. “The greater power lies in the individual who understands the process and so participates.”
As the newly elected 4th District representative for the Syracuse Common Council, Bey is one man who can say he practices what he preaches.
“Politics affect policy, and policy affects circumstances. Who better to affect my circumstances than me?” Bey said.
“People don’t seem to understand the significance of voting in every election. Local elections are where the power is,” said Theresa Harper, a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Syracuse Alumni Chapter. “I don’t know if
people really understand that they are eligible to vote, that it is a right that you have.”
Barrie Gewanter of the New York Civil Liberties chimed in to say that many people convicted of felonies believe they are no longer eligible to vote. In fact, they are.
“Once you’ve finished your incarceration and your parole, not only can you vote, but you can re-register to vote just on the same basis as anybody else. You don’t need to provide any special documentation,” she said.
Gewanter said that another group that faces difficulties at the polls are people with disabilities. In her presentation, she outlined the ways that poll inspectors are trained to assist these voters, as well as resources
available to them.
Session Two of the Political Action and Civic Engagement Discussion will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 5, at the Peoples A.M.E. Zion Church located at 2306 S. Salina St. and will focus on Voter Information and Education, Registration and Participation.
The public is encouraged to participate and refreshments will be available. Also, the community may join South Side resident Charles Pierce-El for informal weekly Voter Education and Voter Registration meetings at 6 p.m. every Monday at Peoples A.M.E. Zion Church.
For more information on voting rights, visit the NYCLU’s site or contact your local NYCLU chapter at (315) 471.2821.
