Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition hosts National Voter Registration Day
Published 3:55 pm Wednesday, September 23, 2020
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Photo Contributed Jilian Reece described that the event was not just for adults, but also for kids with voting activities.
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BY BRITTNEE NAVE
STAR CORRESPONDENT
Let’s get ready to vote.
The Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition teamed up with the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library and PEAK Mentor Program to offer a drive-thru election event for community members of all ages on Tuesday.
“We wanted to give people an opportunity to register to vote if they weren’t already registered,” said Jilian Reece, director of the CCDPC.
The event was part of the organization’s continued 9/11 Day of Service community events. Tuesday also served as National Voter Registration Day.
National Voter Registration Day started in 2012 and takes place on the fourth Tuesday of September.
The goal is to allow everyone the chance to register to vote. It is a non-partisan national holiday and relies on thousands of partners and volunteers.
While the event may seem aimed at those of voting age, Reece stated it is actually for both.
While those 18 and up can drive-thru for voter registration, kids had activities of their own.
Kids could cast their vote on their choice of chocolate chip or Oreo cookies and take-home activities to learn more about America’s election process.
Reece said there was a great turnout for the event.
“Most of the people that we registered to vote were actually newly-turned 18,” Reece described. “That was exciting.”
In addition to aiding new voters, others were people who needed to update the registration for reasons like an address change.
According to Reece, the importance of voting goes beyond just having a voice for yourself, but also for future generations as well.
Likewise, she said that to change politics is to vote and have people in office you believe can represent those beliefs.
“The most important thing is we have to vote,” she said.
While National Voter Registration Day has ended, more information on this day can be found at www.nationalvoterregistrationday.org.
The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5. Online registration can be done at www.govotetn.com.
Early voting begins Oct. 14 and ends Oct. 29.
Early voting for Carter County takes place at the Election Commission Office, located at 116 Holston Ave., Elizabethton. Election Day is Nov. 3.
Key dates and additional information on voting can be found at www.cartercountytn.gov/government/departments-services/election-office.
For more information on the Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition, check out their Facebook page, or go to www.cartercountydrugprevention.org.
