DAWSON, Ga. — Rev. Ezekiel Holley recalls the devastation of his community when white supremacists set fire to two Baptist churches in Terrell County, Georgia, during his early adulthood. These churches played a crucial role for local activists in the years leading up to significant Civil Rights victories that established federal voting rights for Black Americans. Four years ago, Holley experienced elation as Black Georgians in rural areas took to the polls with pride, helping to secure a presidential election win for Joe Biden and sending two Democrats to the U.S. Senate.
However, as Holley, now 83, walks with a cane through Dawson’s back roads, he expresses concern over the lack of voter outreach compared to the galvanizing energy seen during the 2020 election. Black voter engagement was essential for Biden’s narrow victory in Georgia, a state that has once again emerged as crucial in the current election landscape.
In 2020, Biden’s campaign benefited significantly from Black voters in rural South Georgia. A multitude of crucial races energized Black constituents who had previously felt neglected, as politicians like Raphael Warnock, Jon Ossoff, and Stacey Abrams actively campaigned in these regions to mobilize votes. Holley reflects on this year’s campaign efforts, noting the stark difference and absence of organization in mobilization efforts compared to what he witnessed four years ago.
Holley, who now leads Terrell County’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), has not observed the same organized efforts this election cycle. “Four years ago it was well organized,” he remarked. “That organization might appear, but I don’t see it in action yet.”
Black voters in rural Georgia often face challenges in mobilization due to low population density and the historical economic decline in these areas. Many community members express skepticism about their votes having any impact. Sherrell Byrd, the Executive Director of SOWEGA Rising, a local nonprofit, highlights the ongoing underinvestment in these communities, which has fostered a sense of political apathy amid the broader economic despair.
Data from the Georgia Secretary of State indicates that nearly half of the active voters in the 2nd Congressional District, which encompasses much of southwestern Georgia, are Black. Notably, a higher percentage of Black registered voters turned out in 2020 compared to the previous election. Holley has enlisted a small group of residents from various age groups to engage neighbors in their community and encourage them to vote. With about 60% of Terrell County’s population being Black, past elections have shown Democratic majorities in the area, fueled by organizations like Black Voters Matter that support their outreach initiatives.
On an overcast Saturday in October, just days before the voter registration deadline, Holley and his team set out to connect with residents. Holley conversed comfortably with many locals, reminding them of the importance of voting and helping several register for absentee ballots. However, some, like 88-year-old AJ Harrold, still feel disconnected from the political process, stating that politicians rarely engage directly to explain their actions.
Meanwhile, another resident, 19-year-old Jaleen Green, initially believed he was ineligible but learned about registration from the canvassers. Though he leaned towards supporting Trump, he voiced concern for local issues such as infrastructure and community support for the homeless.
Gloria Brown expressed her own frustrations with the political landscape, having refrained from voting in 2020 due to homelessness and difficulties with registration. She emphasized the necessity for politicians to engage more actively with constituents in her community. Similarly, Samantha Turner, visiting from Dougherty County, noted the lesser visibility of campaign efforts this year and the lack of information about critical issues at stake.
Despite these challenges, some leaders in the area have observed a recent uptick in outreach efforts, fueled by late funding and interruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. Ryan Brown, the regional political director for Harris, mentioned that organizations usually targeting voters 90 days before an election have been mobilized approximately 30 days out this year.
Black Voters Matter remains engaged year-round in Georgia, with efforts supported by other local organizations founded by Abrams and dedicated to reaching underrepresented voters. State Senator Freddie Powell Sims maintains that the Democratic party has been working hard to engage voters in southwestern Georgia, commenting on the ambitious scope of their outreach despite time constraints.
The Harris campaign has reported their regional operation includes nearly 70 full-time staff, 10 offices, and thousands of volunteers conducting numerous events statewide. Vice President Kamala Harris has toured parts of Georgia and is expected to visit Atlanta to further rally support.
Concerns remain, however, especially about voter turnout among Black men, as Rev. Lorenzo Heard of Dougherty County noted a general decline in enthusiasm due to the absence of heightened stakes this election cycle. He advocates for a renewed push to awaken the electorate before it’s too late for the state’s political landscape.
