On a Sunday in September, the Mt Lebanon AME Zion Church in North Carolina was filled with gospel music, prayers, and political talk.
Reverend Javan Leach spoke to his congregation, saying it’s dangerous not to vote because that’s like giving support to the other side.
The church is in an area where Black voters helped Barack Obama win the state in 2008, but support for Democrats has been shrinking in recent years.
In the 2020 election, Joe Biden barely won the local county, but Donald Trump took the state by a small margin. Now, with the 2024 election approaching, Kamala Harris and her team are trying to win over voters not just in big cities but also in rural areas where Trump is popular.
The Democratic Party has opened offices in areas where they usually don’t campaign, hoping to gather votes even in places where Trump won big.
For example, in Onslow County, a group of Democrats gathered to discuss their plans. Anderson Clayton, the state’s Democratic Party leader, encouraged them to be proud to be Democrats, even in rural places. She believes there’s a political shift happening in these communities.
But there are challenges. Hurricane Helene recently hit North Carolina, causing destruction and making it harder for Democrats to campaign in areas still recovering. Even so, Democrats are determined to show up and make an impact.
Republicans, on the other hand, see North Carolina as a key state for Trump’s victory in 2024. They are working hard to win it back, and some Republican supporters are even stepping up to volunteer for the first time.
At Mt Lebanon Church, Reverend Leach urged his congregation to vote, emphasizing that their voices are important.
For some voters, like William Overton, the issue of abortion rights is a key reason to support Democrats. But others, like Justin Herman, are undecided and unsure if they will vote at all.
The challenge for Democrats is clear: while there is energy, they still need to make sure people actually vote. As one member of the church said, “It feels like we have a good chance” – but only if voters show up.
BBC has been covering this ongoing campaign in North Carolina, and it reflects the broader struggle for both parties in the 2024 election.
Credit : BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqlvwdk04gwo