Point Five: Same Day Registration and Public Financing of Elections

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North Carolina should reform the electoral process so that participation is encouraged and it should protect and strengthen the voting rights of Blacks and other minorities.

Rev. Barber:  We, as people of Color, have great political power in this state, if we stand together with each other and our white progressive allies.   Election reform is a high priority.  Lynice Williams, our State NAACP 4th V.P. and Bob Hall, from Democracy N.C. tell us why.

Lynice Williams: Did you know that  North Carolina ranks among the worst 15 states for voter participation? 

Did you know That more than one million NC citizens are not even registered to vote, and 8 out of 10 of them are Black? 

Did you know we are getting less democracy in N.C. and paying more taxes?

Bob Hall: Did you know That the high cost of campaigns removes the political decisions from ordinary people.

Did you know  People of Color are 30% of the population, but only 17% of the General Assembly?

Did you know that thousands of young people who get interested in a candidate in the final two weeks are out of luck, because you now have to register 25 days before the election and registering on voting day lifts voter turnout by 8 to 15%?

Lynice Williams: That’s why we demand the legislature enact same-day voter registration.

That’s why we demand the legislature set up a public financing pilot program in selected legislative districts and expand the program now in place for statewide judicial candidates to other state offices.

That’s why we demand the legislature mandate strict adherence to the reauthorized Voting Rights Act which strengthens efforts to prevent the diluting of Black and minority voting power.