Athens Democratic committee partners with Obama for America
The Athens-Clarke County Democratic committee is preparing for the upcoming election on Nov. 6 with the help of Obama for America, a program that preparation will include phone banking, door to door campaigning and sign distribution.
Open House took place Aug. 23 for the ACCDC. Over 200 people attended the open house, where several elected officials gave political speeches.
“Then we are going to get into more of a routine, but even that’s kind of in-flux, and for the first time ever, we’re going to have an Obama for America headquarters next door,” Vice Chair of Communications Karen Solheim said.
The ACCDC welcomed Obama for America into Athens. They will have a greater focus on the Presidential election, as the ACCDC will focus on local campaigns.
Volunteers are a necessity when operating a local party headquarters, and the ACCDC is contacting passed volunteers from the 2008 election for campaigning.
“We just really want people to come in (to) use the headquarters and use it as their Democratic home in Athens,” Solheim said. “It’s a headquarters for all people who are interested in advancing democratic ideals within the community.”
The ACCDC also attempting to reach out beyond the Athens community, into surrounding counties.
“Whenever I e-mail out information about what’s happening here in Athens, it goes to surrounding counties. I see Athens as the hub that reaches out with spokes,” Solheim said.
Athens is densely populated with University of Georgia students, and students who come from out of Athens have residency troubles when trying to vote. Several students will be unable to vote for a presidential candidate in Athens, if it is not their hometown.
“It’s the biggest group of people in Athens that we can’t get to vote. We try and make it clear to UGA students on how to get it done,” Solheim said.
Seniors of age at Clarke Central High School are going to have the opportunity to vote this election.
“Whoever gets elected is going to be in charge of rebuilding our economy, and I think that’s really important for our future,” CCHS Senior Harrison Boza said.
