State Rep. Carl Gilliard, D-Savannah, recently participated in an emergency Zoom call with other Black Georgia faith leaders to express concerns about the state’s early voting figures for the upcoming election. Despite a record-setting pace of more than 3 million voters already casting their ballots, Black voter turnout has decreased from the initial surge on the first day of early voting. This lower turnout rate is worrying for Vice President Kamala Harris and down-ballot Democrats as they aim to secure victory in Georgia’s crucial electoral race.
According to Gilliard and other members of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, the Black voter turnout rate of about 25% is below the desired 30% needed for Democrats to secure a win in statewide races. Efforts are being made to engage Black voters more effectively, including increasing visibility through door-to-door canvassing and placing more signs in Black communities. The leaders of the Black faith community are strategizing on ways to increase Black voter participation ahead of Election Day.
While Republicans seem to be taking advantage of early voting, it is noted that the latest figures may not fully reflect the rate of Black turnout. State Rep. Jasmine Clark, who is running for reelection in a competitive state House race, highlighted that the focus on active voters may discount potential turnout from previously inactive voters. Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to mobilize Black voters and increase participation in the upcoming election.
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