Voter group works to overcome apathy ahead of Election Day

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Pile of red, white, and blue lapel pins with the word "Vote"

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(Alabama News Service)
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Alabama has one of the highest voter registration rates in the country, with roughly 92% of eligible voters registered, but registering is not the same as actually voting.

In the May primary, only about 23% of registered voters cast a ballot.

Kynesha Brown, coordinator for the Rollin' to the Polls Voting Initiative, a nonpartisan group founded in 2016, said apathy is the real barrier this year, but they are fighting back with education and information.

"We also educate on what's on the ballot and who's on the ballot. For example, we have been pushing out information on the constitutional amendments and local ballot measures that will be on the ballot this November election," Brown explained.

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Roadside-style sign with the words "Elections Ahead"
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Brown pointed out the group has been hearing from frustrated voters, especially older ones, after redistricting negated some primary votes in state Senate races. She added they have been reminding voters the election is still important. Election Day is November 3. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Brown noted transportation has been a barrier to getting people to the polls, which they are trying to address this year. The focus is how the group came up with the name Rollin' to the Polls.

"We want to make sure that isn't a barrier for voters, so we make sure that we get them to the polls, and what we do, they'll call our line. We'll schedule a pickup for them. We'll pick them up, take them to the polls to vote. We'll wait on them while they go vote, and then bring them back home," Brown outlined.

The group operates primarily in central and southern Alabama but partners with organizations in Birmingham and Huntsville for rides in northern Alabama. Voters can find more information at GoVoteAL.org, which lists ride services across the state. The site also links to resources for checking voter registration, finding polling locations and ordering sample ballots.