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For immediate release.
September 6, 2002
Contact: Jesse Rutledge, N.C. Center for Voter Education,
(919) 839-1200

Center for Voter Education Urges Citizens to 'Celebrate Democracy'

RALEIGH - North Carolina voters may go to the polls this year wearing flip flops and donning sunscreen, due to the late primary election. But the North Carolina Center for Voter Education warns that many experts are predicting lower than usual voter turnout on September 10th. So the Center is joining the State Board of Elections and other organizations to kick off September as "Citizen Voter Registration Awareness Month" and is rolling out its annual “Go Vote” campaign to try to increase voter interest and involvement in this fall’s elections.

The Chairman of the Center, former U.S. Senator Robert Morgan, says that citizen involvement, particularly in the wake of recent international events, is more important than ever.

"I think it is fitting that on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attack upon America, that Americans should celebrate democracy and the institutions and values that make our country the best in the world," said Morgan.

Morgan served in United States Navy 1944-1946, was recalled during Korean Conflict 1952-1955; and served in the Navy Reserve through 1971 as a lieutenant commander, and in United States Air Force Reserve from 1971-1973 with the rank of lieutenant, lieutenant colonel.

He noted,"It troubles me greatly when considering the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of this country to protect freedom and democracy that so many citizens fail to respect their precious right to choose their leaders. Many people around the world are fighting and dying for the right many Americans disregard."

Low voter participation in early absentee voting and a lack of enthusiasm among voters recorded in recent public opinion polls forebodes dismal participation in Tuesday's primary.

"There is something wrong when more North Carolinians can name finalists on TV's 'American Idol' program than can name who's running to succeed US Senator Jesse Helms," Morgan said, "But we will be working hard to change that".

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.

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

The Center will join the NC State Board of Elections and two other organizations, Vote for America North Carolina, and the Voter Empowerment Project at a rally on the grounds of the state capitol on Monday, September 9, 2002 at noon to kick off "Citizen Voter Registration Month".

"We have two messages for the people of this state," concluded Morgan, "the first is to go and register, the second is to go vote!"

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