HUNTSVILLE, Alabama (WHNT) – As election season heats up, local political parties are hoping to add new momentum to their causes.
Democrats in Madison County hope they can enable younger voters to have their say in November.
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“One of our priorities is to prioritize the youth vote,” said Sheila McNeil, chair of the Madison County Democratic Executive Committee.
One young voter leading this push is Zoie Roberson, chair of the Madison County Democratic Party’s youth caucus.
“We have to get involved, we have to participate,” she said.
Roberson says the challenge for young voters is to get them interested in the issues, which is why they are hosting the “Fit to Vote” fashion show.
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“Our challenge was to make voting more popular. How can we make it a trend? If you look at the social media platforms that are popular with young people, many trends revolve around some form of art,” Roberson said.
Young voters are invited to participate in “Fit to Vote” on Saturday, August 17, wearing an outfit that represents a social or political issue they care about.
“We want people to wear something that represents issues that are close to their hearts,” she added.
The fashion show will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Roto-Rooter Event Center on Paramount Drive in Huntsville. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are required but are free.
McNeil says it’s important for voters to familiarize themselves with the November ballot materials.
“All of the issues that are on the table and the opposition is clear, you know which side is doing what, but it’s important that you understand the issues so you know which candidate is supporting that issue in your best interest,” she said.
McNeil says that while Alabama has traditionally been a red state, she believes change is coming.
“We meet, we strategize, we work, we roll up our sleeves and we want to make a difference in Madison County when it comes to getting voters to vote,” she said.
News 19 also reached out to the Rocket City Young Republicans to see if they have any upcoming initiatives or events planned, but we have not heard back.
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