The Harris-Walz campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) have launched a massive voter registration drive. This initiative targets young Black voters ahead of the 2024 election. The campaign kicks off on National Voter Registration Day, September 17, 2024.
Vice President Harris Spearheads HBCU Outreach
Vice President Kamala Harris is taking center stage in this voter mobilization effort. She will participate in a moderated conversation with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in Philadelphia. The event will feature students from Lincoln University and Cheyney University, two historic HBCUs.
NABJ President Ken Lemon expressed enthusiasm for the event. He stated, “We look forward to our members and student journalists hearing from Vice President Harris. Our panel will ask the tough questions that are most pressing to the communities served by NABJ members.”
Nationwide HBCU Campaign Targets Battleground States
The campaign is rolling out in-person and virtual events across 60 HBCU campuses. These efforts focus on crucial swing states like Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. North Carolina, with the second-highest number of HBCUs, will host nine in-person voter registration events this week.
This push recognizes the historical importance of HBCUs in Black civic engagement. The campaign aims to tap into the energy of these institutions to mobilize young voters. With the election just 49 days away, every vote counts in these battleground states.
Digital Media Partnerships Amplify Voter Outreach
To reach younger voters, the campaign is leveraging digital platforms. A partnership with Revolt will take over the homepage of the hip-hop culture and news site. This digital initiative, along with other media partnerships, aims to resonate with Black Americans, particularly younger voters.
The campaign is also launching a national voter assistance textline. This resource will provide information in English and Spanish. It aims to simplify the voter registration process and guide voters through the DNC’s IWillVote.com platform.
DNC Chair Emphasizes Voter Empowerment
DNC chair Jaime Harrison highlighted the importance of this initiative. He said, “Every voter deserves to make their voice heard and cast their ballot for the future they want to see. We’ve invested millions into our ‘I Will Vote’ program and launched a new text hotline to get young voters real-time information and live support.”
The campaign’s focus on battleground states like Georgia and Pennsylvania is crucial. Black voters played a decisive role in flipping these states in the 2020 election. The Harris-Walz campaign aims to maintain that momentum through targeted outreach.
