WASHINGTON — As the United States approaches the 2024 election, Georgia is emerging as a pivotal state in the race for the presidency, one of the seven battleground states deemed critical for any candidate aiming for the White House. In the past, Georgia has proven to be a challenging state for Democrats, but it swung to support President Joe Biden in 2020 after six consecutive elections favoring GOP presidential candidates.
Following Biden’s narrow victory of fewer than 12,000 votes four years ago, both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have invested significant resources—in terms of both finances and strategies—into Georgia. Their campaigns recognize that the election outcome might hinge significantly on voter turnout, particularly focusing on the individuals who opted to stay home rather than cast their ballots.
A pressing concern is whether their efforts will effectively engage all demographics. For those at lower income levels, fundamental issues often take precedence over political rallies and debates. Bibb County serves as an insightful test case, showcasing high poverty levels, varied demographics, and a substantial number of eligible voters who did not participate in the 2020 election. Numerous conversations with residents indicate a correlation between financial hardship and voter turnout, along with ongoing efforts by candidates to bridge that gap.
Despite the historic voter turnout in 2020, where over 150 million individuals cast their votes, a staggering 75 million eligible citizens still did not show up at the polls, as noted in a study from the Center for Inclusive Democracy at the University of Southern California. In Bibb County alone, approximately 47,000 legal citizens aged 18 or older did not participate.
The demographics of non-voters present a significant inquiry. Data from surveys such as AP VoteCast indicate that many who did not vote were often part of poorer economic backgrounds. The findings revealed that a notable percentage of nonvoters in 2020 were younger, less educated, and unmarried, with around 30% of them having household incomes below $25,000 in the prior year. By juxtaposing this information against the 27 million adults living below the poverty line in the United States, it appears that economically disadvantaged individuals constitute a considerable portion of non-voters.
Bibb County reflects a demographic landscape where the majority of residents identify as minorities, over 60% are unmarried, and a significant fraction—40%—is under the age of 30. Furthermore, nearly half of its residents possess only a high school diploma. The local school system illustrates these challenges, with roughly 60% of students qualifying for free and reduced-price meals, and 36 schools serving all students with such provisions, according to the Georgia Department of Education.
Kathy McCollum, leading the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank, noted that the poverty rate across the 24 counties served by her organization, including Bibb, stands at 18.5%. Donations are received from a range of sources, including retailers and food manufacturers; however, financial contributions have seen a decline since peaking during the pandemic in 2020. The food bank aids over 200 partner organizations that help distribute food to struggling families and individuals.
When examining the relationship between income levels and voting behaviors, opinions vary widely. Many cite historical justice issues as barriers, while others face practical obstacles such as childcare and transportation difficulties. The requirement for stable addresses complicates voting for those with unstable housing situations. Some potential voters also feel disconnected from issues presented in political discourse, seeing them as not relevant to their daily struggles, as expressed by Linda Solomon, a 58-year-old on Social Security disability. She articulated disillusionment with the electoral process, having stopped voting years ago, feeling her circumstances remained unchanged despite leadership shifts.
Mother’s Nest, a nonprofit founded in 2022 by Sabrina Friday, seeks to address these challenges by supporting young mothers with necessities such as food, clothing, and education on various topics. Friday emphasizes the importance of civic engagement but acknowledges that many dependents in dire situations often prioritize immediate survival over voting.
LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, has observed that discussions are beginning to emerge around essential issues such as the rising costs of essentials. However, she believes more effort is needed to engage individuals who feel overlooked by society and to encourage them to view voting as a tool for addressing systemic inequalities. Observations around the economy—like stock market performance or unemployment rates—do not necessarily reflect the everyday lives of many citizens, she contends.
Regarding campaign efforts, Janiyah Thomas from the Trump campaign confirmed that initiatives aimed to mobilize low-propensity voters are underway, employing traditional outreach coupled with contemporary tools like TikTok to connect with younger audiences. Meanwhile, the Harris campaign operates an office in Macon, which employs a dedicated team to engage the community through various outreach methods, including door-knocking in lower-income neighborhoods, indicating a significant commitment to addressing the needs of Georgia’s rural and economically challenged residents.