With the 2024 election on the horizon, students at Alabama State University gathered for a lively and informative Voter Education Day on Oct. 8, hosted by the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the John Garrick Hardy Center Amphitheater buzzed with energy as students learned about their voting rights, registration procedures and the impact they can make at the polls.

Designed to engage and empower students, the event featured free food, giveaways and exciting prizes, including a chance to win a 32-inch TV.  Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about crucial deadlines, such as the last day to register to vote and how to submit absentee ballots.

Senior finance major and NAACP Chapter President Tyrin Moorer shared the goals of the event.

“We planned this event to educate, engage and equip the students of Alabama State University to be prepared for this upcoming election. We want to make sure we provide the educational resources they need and also make sure that they are verified and registered to vote.”

Moorer expressed excitement about the event’s success.

“It’s been a great turnout, and the event isn’t even over yet,” he said.  “We have some giveaways. We are giving away a 32-inch TV, a printer, some AirPods and gift cards. We also have Krispy Kreme donuts, drinks and plenty more for the students.”

Jacaira Edmondson, a senior majoring in criminal justice, found the event particularly helpful.

“This event was very helpful, not only for me but for other students as well. I thought I was registered to vote back at home, but it turns out I’m not,” Edmondson shared. “So, with the help of this event, I was able to get registered. Everyone here is very helpful!”

Edmondson emphasized the importance of young voters in this election, especially with historic developments on the political stage.

“This event lets students know that their voice matters. Everyone should be at the polls, especially since we have a Black woman running for president.”

Kathrine Austine, a sophomore studying forensic biology, highlighted the event’s role in educating students on voter rights.

“This event is very beneficial. Students are able to find out new information about voting that they may not have known before,” Austine said. “It also gives them a chance to register to vote and verify that they are registered.”

Austine addressed the challenges of voter suppression in the region, particularly affecting college students.

“There is a lot of voter suppression going on, especially in Montgomery,” Austine emphasized. “They know there are a lot of college students, a lot of Black college students, and they do not want our voices to be heard. We are the change that is soon to come.”

Encouraging fellow students to stay informed, Austine added, “Being involved with NAACP has helped me stay in the loop when it comes to the election and being involved. So, I encourage students to follow our Instagram so they can stay up to date, not just with us but with the election also.”