State and local Democratic leaders stressed the importance of voting and discussed voter ID rules during Saturday’s Anson County Democratic Party Convention.
“We’re here today because it’s what we’re supposed to do, doing what we’re supposed to be doing and that is making sure our elected officials in November have the folks there who are willing to get out and work and do things in the community,” said Anson County Clerk of Court Mark Hammonds.
Garletha Pratt read remarks from state party Chairwoman Patsy Keever, saying, “the bottom line is getting our voters to the polls and ensure that they are ready, willing, and able to elect the candidates who will be best to serve the citizens of North Carolina.”
“When you go into that voting booth, that’s the power you have,” said Sheriff Landric Reid. He also emphasized the need to know and research judicial candidates and town and county elected officials.
Wadesoboro Police Chief Thedis Spencer echoed that sentiment, saying, “we’ve got to make sure that the right people are in office to understand the next generation, because if we don’t, we’re going to be in trouble.”
The Anson County Democratic Party’s running theme is “Power of the Pen.”
“We need to make sure that our present registered voters have transportation, are familiar with their precinct location, know who to vote for, and most importantly vote — early voting, that’s the way we win — and have to have a valid ID,” county Commissioner Vancine Sturdivant said.
Register of Deeds Joanne Huntley explained how to get an approved state photo identification card for the benefit of voters who don’t have one.
“We want everyone to vote, so let us do what we can to make sure, especially the elderly people, if they don’t have an ID, this is the time to go ahead and get an ID,” she said. “Don’t wait until the day of the election.”
“We hurt ourselves because we don’t vote,” said Tracy Little, a member of the Anson County Board of Elections. “I’m challenging everybody to take someone with you this time to vote. We need to get more people out there and we need to explain to our young people the importance of voting.”
Little said early voting will start May 26 and run through June 4.
Several candidates spoke to party members during the convention, including Kim Hargett, who is challenging Republican state Rep. Mark Brody to represent Anson and Union counties in House District 55.
“Why an I a democrat? Because I believe that believing in the pledge is more important than just saying it,” Hargett said. “As Democrats, we do more than just say the pledge and it is ‘One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’ So if we believe that, let’s have fair tax policy, let’s support public education and let’s support the environment.”
Hoke County private-practice attorney Angela Carter is challenging Judge Michael Stone in the district court judge race for District 16A, which includes Richmond, Anson, Scotland and Hoke counties. She said that it is her responsibility to give back to the community.
“I am going to support our youth,” she said. “I’m going to listen and ultimately every decision that I’m going to make will be informed by the man above and so as long as he informs my decision, every decision will be just and fair.”
Pastor Michael McLeod issued a challenge to those in attendance: Have the discipline of an ant.
“Keep moving, keep moving, we’re small, keep moving and lifting people up and God will give us the benefit,” McLeod said. “May heaven smile upon you and may God always be at your beckon call.”
Tracey Brewer is a freelance correspondent for The Anson Record.
