For immediate release.
August 14, 2002
Contact: Jesse Rutledge, N.C. Center for Voter Education,
(919) 839-1200
As Primary Nears, Center Says 'Go Vote'
RALEIGH - North Carolina voters will go to the primary polls this year wearing flip flops and donning sunscreen, and many pundits are predicting lower than usual voter turnout on September 10th. So the North Carolina Center for Voter Education is rolling out its annual “Go Vote” campaign to try to increase voter interest and involvement in this fall’s elections.
The Center, a Raleigh based non-partisan organization dedicated to improving the quality and responsiveness of the North Carolina election system, is broadcasting public service announcements statewide in an effort to heighten voter interest in the September primaries. The announcements display the Center’s website, www.ncvotered.com, where visitors can find a comprehensive voting information guide in the “Go Vote” section.
“Voting is one of the basic rights all citizens have,” said Jesse Rutledge, who is coordinating the project for the Center. “And it’s important that voters have vital information about the voting process.”
The public service announcement, which will be broadcast on TV stations statewide, pays tribute to inspirational leaders Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Presidents John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.
North Carolina TV stations that have already confirmed their participation include:
Asheville – WLOS Channel 13
Charlotte – News 14 Carolina
Greenville – WNCT Channel 9
High Point – WGHP Channel 8
Morehead City – WXFI Channel 8
New Bern – WCTI Channel 12
Raleigh – News 14 Carolina
Raleigh – WRAL Channel 5
Raleigh – WNCN Channel 17
Washington – WITN Channel 7
Wilmington – WSFX Channel 26
Visitors to the website, www.ncvotered.com, can also view the PSA in RealPlayer streaming video format.
The Center for Voter Education has developed an extensive voting information guide to assist voters in better understanding the election system, and to educate themselves on the process of voting. The online guide provides comprehensive voting information, such as how and when to register to vote, and how to vote using an absentee ballot or using the state’s “early voting” program.
“The online voting information guide provides one-stop shopping for all your election information needs,” said Rutledge.
Other features of the online voting information guide include a short history of voting and why every vote counts; a downloadable voter registration form; and testimonials from North Carolinians from all walks of life on why voting is important to them.
Because the Center is nonpartisan, detailed information on candidates is not provided. However, web surfers to the “Go Vote” site will be able to access the lists of candidates who have filed to run for the state legislature in 2002. Furthermore, the “Ballot Information” section provides helpful background information and job descriptions, as well as salaries, for most offices on the ballot this fall, from Clerk of Court to State Senator.
“We truly hope this information informs, encourages and inspires North Carolinians to cast their ballots this fall,” Rutledge stated.
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743 W. Johnson St.
Suite E
Raleigh, NC 27603
919.839.1200