Early voting for midterm elections in the state of Texas started Monday, October 22. UNT’s NAACP and Alpha Kappa Alpha Chapters teamed up for a collaborative effort in a Race to the Polls event by offering students rides.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (AKA) is the first black Greek sorority founded January 15, 1908 on the campus of Howard University. Just one generation removed from slavery then, now the organization has 1,024 chapters with over 300,000 members.
The Epsilon Mu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. was chartered at UNT October 3, 1969. Since then, programs implemented by its former and current members are for the benefit of the university and Denton community.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) ensures the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons and work to eliminate race-based discrimination.
The historic organization was founded February 12, 1909 with local and college based branches today. UNT’s Chapter has been active for decades.
In the recent years, as a requirement for the executive committee, UNT NAACP deputizes its members in Denton County. They register voters at all general body meetings before elections.
Kaleen Washington is a senior political science major. She served as 2nd Vice President for unit #6853 for NAACP as well as being the current NAACP Youth & College Education Chairman for the State of Texas. She’s also the Call to Action Chairman for UNT’s Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
She’s honored to be a member of these two great organizations. Her great grandfather helped charter the NAACP El Paso branch and her grandmother was a lifetime member of both NAACP and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Washington tries to keep herself grounded in the reasons why both of these organizations were founded. She believes that they’ve come a long way from it, but it pains her seeing the current state of this county.
“I think we should remember that we have a long way to go and never take for granted how hard the ones before us have worked,” said Washington.
Nationally, African-American voter turnout fell for the 2016 presidential elections.
Strict voter ID laws, unnecessary poll closures, voter purges, lack of political outreach to African Americans as well as representation of African Americans in running positions are just a few issues that have come up as reasons for turn out.
Washington said last year they attempted a previous race to the polls event, but had less of a turn out.
“Actually, it was only four of us. But we still went out and we still voted.”
Since there’s been a lot of awareness and political action meetings about midterm elections, a few members of AKA wanted to think of ways to make sure students were going to get out to vote.
In taking that next step, Washington wanted to attempt another race to the polls.
“I remembered our failed attempt and thought, if we do this right, we can make an impact. So I contacted Kourtney and she was excited to do a collaboration with us.”
Kourtney English is a senior psychology major and serves as the current NAACP president.
A lot of concerns English has heard from students were about transportation to get to the polls. English says there are numerous other reasons why it’s difficult to get students out to vote.
“Most don’t know you have to register in Denton County in order to vote here. Some believe their vote doesn’t matter which is something we’re trying to focus on to change. We have to understand that if we stand together, we have strength in numbers,” said English.
English believes that it’s important for students to vote, because this generation is the future.
“When we hear so many complaints about how the country is run and how there’s a lack of representation for the minority community, as an organization it’s NAACP’s responsibility to give resources and information to students.”
The organizations are racing to the polls two Mondays before November 6 in order to offer students flexibility. Early Voting is the aim for students registered in the county from October 22 – November 2.
“It’s important for us to make sure that we’re politically active and committed to making changes. Registering people to vote, making sure they are aware of candidates and their impacts as well as policies that affect us on a daily basis is our focus. Also letting students who need a ride know we’ve got you covered.” said English.
The closest early voting location to UNT is at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. The center will be open from 8am to 5pm Monday-Friday, 7am to 7pm Saturday and 11 am to 4pm Sunday from now until November 2.
In order to get a ride, students can reserve their seats with UNT NAACP and UNT AKA here.
“We need all hands on deck for this election. It’s been really cool just seeing everyone’s enthusiasm around this particular one. I hope they keep that same energy when it comes to actually getting out to vote,” said Washington.