Jefferson City NAACP and partners discuss importance of voting in the April 4 election

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Jefferson City chapter of the NAACP held a community gathering today at the Jefferson City Historic Community Center to promote voting in the April 4 election.

The NAACP partnered with Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin, faith leaders and community members to get the importance of voting across to those in attendance.

"It's up to all of us," Mayor Carrie Tergin said. "To remind everyone and always remember that your actions you take today will not only effect the election on April 4th, but they have the possibility to effect us for future elections and generations to come."

Cole County had a 15.6% voter turnout in the April 2022 election. The county had a 53.15% turnout in this past November's election.

"Voting is mandatory," Ernette Smith, a member of the Community Centerm, said. "A vote-less person is a hopeless person. If you don't have hope you have nothing. We need to get everybody out to vote."

A common theme during the conference was "Take 10." By this, speakers meant that as a voter, try to take 10 people with you, so they can vote as well.

The NAACP partnered with a local church to provide rides to the polls, creating a way for members of the community to meet and get closer with eachother.

"If you need a ride, First United Methodist Church is partnering with the NAACP and you can give them a ring and say 'Hey, I need a ride to the polls," Julie Allen, a member of the NAACP, said. "We'll give you a ride no questions asked. You don't have to hear about anybody's position, it's just a friendly ride to the polls."

Some items on the ballot on April 4 include a tax on recreational marijuana and City Council spots.