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Grassroot efforts ramp up as Georgia remains a battleground state

By
Updated  October 25, 2024 6:37pm EDT
2024 Election
FOX 5 Atlanta

Last-minute push to get out to vote

With 11 days to go until Election Day, Democrats and Republicans are rallying their bases to get out to vote.

The Brief

    • A coalition has initiated the "Freedom Is At Stake: Get Out the Vote Tour" in South Fulton to encourage voting, especially among young, Black, and underrepresented voters.
    • At Camelot Condominiums, volunteers aimed to engage 300 residents, distributing educational materials and motivating unvoted registered voters.
    • Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who is focusing on Republican voters, stressed the importance of campaign efforts through events like the Get Out the Vote rally.
    • The state of Georgia is witnessing a close race and record turnout, leading to intensified campaign efforts by both political parties.
    • The tour, supported by various community and labor leaders, is designed to mobilize communities and underline the importance of each vote in the upcoming election.

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - A coalition of labor leaders, elected officials, hip-hop artists, and racial justice advocates launched the "Freedom Is At Stake: Get Out the Vote Tour" on Friday at Burdette Park in South Fulton. The event is part of a broader effort to mobilize young voters, Black communities, and other underrepresented groups in metro Atlanta ahead of the upcoming election.

Organizers planned to engage around 300 residents at the Camelot Condominiums, focusing on registered voters who have not yet cast their ballots. Volunteers canvassed the complex, distributing voter education materials and encouraging participation. Camelot resident Lashunte Avery told FOX 5’s Deidra Dukes, "It gets the community involved, and they are more encouraged to register to vote."

Across town, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp led a separate voter engagement event targeting Republican supporters. Speaking to volunteers, Kemp urged continued efforts to mobilize voters before Election Day on Nov. 5. "My message to you all is to keep knocking on doors and talking to people in your district," Kemp said. "This is going to be a tough race—from the top of the ticket all the way down to local elections—so we have to keep working until the polls close."

Labor leaders, others gather for voter push

A coalition of labor leaders, elected officials, hip-hop artists, and racial justice advocates gathered at Burdette Park in South Fulton on Friday morning to launch the "Freedom Is At Stake: Get Out the Vote Tour."

Kemp is scheduled to hold additional events, including a Get Out the Vote rally on Saturday afternoon in Cumming. With recent polls showing a tight race and record voter turnout, both parties are heavily campaigning in this battleground state.

April Verrett of the Service Employees International Union, a participant in the "Freedom is at Stake" tour, emphasized the importance of rallying communities. "Folks are out here rallying, coming together to talk about our impact, and why our vote matters," Verrett said.

Councilwoman Keosha Bell of the City of South Fulton highlighted the tour’s efforts to reach underrepresented communities. "Sometimes we need to go out and reach those individuals who may not receive regular canvass opportunities," Bell explained.

The Source

  • FOX 5 Atlanta original report