High voter turnout encouraged by coalition of Macon-Bibb groups

A coalition of organizations in Macon-Bibb County are encouraging all registered voters to turn out for May's elections, which will involve several local, state and national races.

"Voting is power," George Muhammed with the Kwanzaa Cultural Access Center said Friday morning at a news conference at Terminal Station in downtown Macon. "We have the right and responsibility to make our leaders accountable and to ensure the well-being of our community and our children's future."

Representatives from the Macon-Bibb County branch of the League of Women Voters, South Macon Arts Revitalization Technology, Que Pasa newspaper and the Voter Information Participation Project also were present for the call-to-action.

Muhammed encouraged residents to make sure they're registered and to verify where they're supposed to vote. He also said people should make sure to have a proper form of identification, and study the issues and candidates to make wise choices.

"The decisions that are made by the people who are being elected ... are going to really affect our lives for years to come, possibly decades to come," Muhammed said. "I want to highlight that all people, all residents of Macon-Bibb County, have a vested interest and a very critical responsibility to take charge of their community and take charge of their future."

Adah Roberts, president of the local branch of the League of Women Voters, said the only way to voice concern about politics is through a vote.

"Once politicians know that you vote, then they listen to what you have to say," Roberts said. "If there's a high voter turnout, politicians pay attention to your precinct."

Early voting will take place both at the Board of Elections office and at Terminal Station from May 2-19, Monday-Friday and on Saturday May 14, Roberts said. Absentee ballots are an option for those who can't make it to the polls. Regular voting at individual precincts will take place May 24.

To contact writer Laura Corley, call 744-4334 and follow her on Twitter @Lauraecor.

This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 2:55 PM with the headline "High voter turnout encouraged by coalition of Macon-Bibb groups ."