The Fayetteville team has had the opportunity to accomplish a wide range of tasks in the past week. Making calls to the local Board of Elections proved to be one of the most difficult task that I have ever taken on before. The bitterness that was directed towards me while asking simple questions was simply baffling. On multiple occasions I was put on hold for ten or more minutes or just rudely shut down.
In complete contrast to the feelings the phone banking experiences gave me, I had a run in with true organizing. In Scotland County, in the face of tough opposition, Sunday voting has become a realistic goal. I have taken the cause to the local airwaves a couple of times voicing the benefits of Sunday voting and urging local residents to call the board members and to come out and actively engage in the meetings. My experience as a native of Scotland County and as a frequent traveler to Richmond County this summer has benefited me in both counties by bringing in additional contacts and voices that may aid in future endeavors. The idea of starting something new in both counties brings to mind my favorite Aristotle quote, “Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.” Indeed the people of the two counties have Sunday voting within their reach.
For the first time in my life I am able to take a step back and see how much the faith communities affect these counties in our region. After a few short encounters with Moore, Richmond, Scotland, and Roberson County ministers I have formed allies in our quest for voter registration. For example, Rev. Jessie Timmons, the Pastor at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, has began urging the people who attend their summer feeding program to register. Pastor Timmons has even set up a few stations around his church with registration forms that are by all the major exits of the church. After seeing the signs hanging up, Pastor Darrel Gibson, who is also a Laurinburg school board member, decided this was a great idea and has taken similar steps as Pastor Timmons. By getting Timmons involved we are able to reach pastors in a five county area. Timmons is the moderator of an association of churches that reaches Lee, Hoke, Moore, Scotland, and Richmond counties totaling around 30 churches. I look forward to forming working relationships with these congregations and exceeding all of our team goals!
DeMonte’ Alford
Fayetteville Team
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