Many of these groups are discovering that there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of introducing Harris and her policies.
These challenges are a result of Harris joining the campaign relatively late and the need to overcome the initial lack of enthusiasm for a rematch between Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Additionally, Republicans have been making efforts to appeal to Black and Latino voters, which further adds to the challenges faced by these groups.
Siembra NC, a grassroots organization dedicated to serving Latino communities in North Carolina, has discovered that many potential voters are inclined to participate in downballot races for state and local offices, while opting to leave the top of the ticket vacant.
These voters believe that the outcomes of closer-to-home races have a more direct impact on their daily lives, and neither Trump nor Harris fully embody their desired qualities in a presidential candidate.
According to Kelly Morales, the co-director of the group, building trust has been a significant focus for them.
They have engaged in numerous conversations to achieve this, recognizing that trust-building takes time. Morales emphasizes the importance of helping people understand that choosing not to cast a vote is also a political decision.
In late September, the organization organized a get-out-the-vote event in Greensboro, which was followed by a lively block party. According to Morales, labor policies, Harris’ stance on the border, and Trump’s rhetoric about the Latino community were among the key concerns discussed during the event.
During the event, the group that supported Harris actively engaged with the community by knocking on almost 1,000 doors. Attendees from various counties participated in the event as well.
The Harris and Trump campaigns are placing a strong emphasis on winning over voters of color, including Black and Latino men. As early voting is taking place across the country, both campaigns are making a concerted effort to reach out to these communities.
This recognition stems from the understanding that the outcome of the election is likely to be determined by the results in seven swing states. Motivating undecided voters in the battleground states poses a challenge as the Nov. 5 election draws closer.
“We need to remember that being enthusiastic and excited should not prevent us from taking action. It is still important to mobilize and encourage people to vote,” emphasized Michael A. Blake, the founder and CEO of KAIROS Democracy Project. This nonpartisan organization is dedicated to engaging young voters and individuals from diverse backgrounds.”
Activists claim that the most significant challenges arise from the implementation of restrictive voting laws in various states controlled by Republican governments following the 2020 election. Moreover, they point out the ongoing efforts by right-leaning organizations to purge voter rolls, as well as the conflicts in the Middle East.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Atlanta has noticed the underlying reality, despite the initial enthusiasm around South Asian representation on the presidential ticket. If Trump wins, Usha Vance, the wife of Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, would become America’s first South Asian second lady.
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According to Lily Trieu, the executive director, language barriers contribute to the already intricate process. Since 2012, Texas has witnessed a significant 63% increase in its Asian population. APIA Vote, a nonpartisan advocacy group dedicated to Asian and Pacific Islander voters, reports that there are approximately 1.1 million eligible Asian American and Pacific Islander voters in the state this year.
When Biden made the decision to withdraw from the race earlier this summer, it caused a delay in the start of the Harris campaign. However, it also had some positive effects. There was a surge in voter registrations, a significant increase in the number of volunteers, and a rise in donations to left-leaning voting groups.
Over half of the newly registered voters this year were aged 18 to 29. The majority of this increase has been observed in swing states such as Arizona and North Carolina, as well as in Florida, which is President Trump’s adopted home state. In Arizona alone, this group successfully registered more than 11,000 Latino voters, with over half of them registering after Biden’s announcement.
Maria Teresa Kumar, the president and CEO of the group, emphasized the importance of closing the voter registration gap in light of Kamala Harris leading the ticket and the organic enthusiasm coming from young people. She believes that donors and individuals who value a strong democracy should focus their efforts on this goal.
Black fraternities and sororities, collectively known as “The Divine Nine,” have played a significant role in Harris’ life, providing her with a sense of support and empowerment. During her time at Howard University, a renowned historically Black institution, she became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
On a recent afternoon, numerous students at Spelman College in Atlanta eagerly queued up at a voter registration drive hosted by the campus chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha and its brother chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha, at nearby Morehouse College.
Taylor Kerr, a psychology major at Spelman and the chapter president, emphasized the significance of civic engagement and the opportunity for students to inquire about voter registration and voting. It is important for the organizations to remain neutral and not endorse any candidates.
“There’s a lot more energy with Harris leading the ticket,” one supporter expressed. “People are incredibly excited and actively engaged,” he added.
After Biden withdrew from the race, a groundbreaking paid advertisement was released by Delta Sigma Theta, a historically Black sorority. This advertisement focused on Black people and crucial issues like bodily autonomy and the right to learn about Black history. These issues have faced threats from certain conservative school boards and state legislatures in recent times.
The advertisement was aired on multiple networks and streaming platforms, with a particular emphasis on battleground states like Georgia and Pennsylvania. The sorority had initially been running a public service announcement, but it decided to modify the content to highlight the significant issues that it believes are at stake for Black Americans.
“It’s crucial to reach out to our community and engage with lower-propensity voters who may feel unmotivated to vote,” she emphasized. “Every effort counts, as it involves all of us and ensures that everyone’s voice is heard.”