Before, during and after the Dec. 6 runoff election in Georgia, Capital B Atlanta has been speaking with Black voters to share their stories. From the campaign trail to local events, “What Black Voters Are Saying” wants to document the issues most important to you. Want to share your story? Hit us up at atltips@capitalbatl.org
Election Day in Georgia’s extended race for the U.S. Senate between Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican nominee Herschel Walker is here.
Despite concerns the state’s restrictive new election laws could create challenges for Black voters, over 1.8 million people cast in-person ballots during the early voting period.
On Monday, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger encouraged residents to confirm their registration status on the state’s My Voter Page before hitting the polls. “We’re seeing very high levels of voter turnout and I want every voter in Georgia to have the best experience possible,” Raffensperger said in a statement.
During the record-breaking early voting period, Capital B Atlanta spent time at precincts in Clayton, DeKalb, and Fulton counties talking to voters. The very candid conversations ranged from fatigue, frustrations with having to vote again, and their honest thoughts on the candidates.
Now, we’re back on runoff Election Day, asking voters what is bringing them out to the polls one last time. From their hopes for what a full, six-year term for Warnock could look like to facing the very real possibility of Walker winning, here’s what Black voters are saying.
Bobby Catchings, 82, Decatur, retired
“It was really easy to decide who I was voting [for]. Though [Herschel] Walker was an excellent football player and, at one point, I even admired him, once you represent Donald Trump, you represent all evil that’s involved with him.”
“He’s going to do whatever the Republican Party tells him to do.”
LaShon Cook, 50, Decatur, executive assistant
“We’ve got to make a change. We’ve got to change our policies, and it starts here in our community. I’m looking at my future, I’m looking at my grandkids, and we, as a community, are taking too many steps backwards and not enough steps forward.”
“Despite the new technology and it’s a new millennium, we’re still fighting the same fight we have been for the last 400 years.”
Josona Burks, 27, Decatur, juvenile corrections officer
“I don’t want Herschel Walker to win. For me, it was his views on abortion. My views are that if you feel like it’s for you, then it’s for you. It’s not something that should be completely off the table for individuals.”
“As a woman, though I haven’t experienced [it] myself, abortion should be an option for those who don’t want to send their child into a broken foster care system.”
Shawaun Robinson-Wise, 31, Decatur, insurance agent
“People my age are not voting, and I want to make a change. I’m more concerned about what [Herschel] Walker winning looks like for Black women. It feels like our rights are being stripped away, and it seems like he is against our rights. I don’t want him to be in office.”
Dana Daniel, 55, Decatur, flight attendant
“I vote because I don’t mind voting. We need to vote, we got that right … go do it. My issue was abortion rights. Even though I’m not having kids, it’s our right, our body, and a woman’s choice.”
“If my candidate doesn’t win today, I might go work in somebody’s election campaign just to try to make people understand the importance of voting from my point of view.”
Janice M., 59, Decatur, corporate manager
“I want to prevent Herschel Walker from winning. I think he is so disconnected from reality, first of all. He’s not political savvy. I think he is easily influenced, and I don’t know what that reason is, but I don’t think it’s beneficial for my race.”
“Herschel [Walker] winning would look like hell. The scary part is you can’t pinpoint exactly what it could look like because no one really knows what he could do.”
Nasha Johnson, Grant Park, homemaker
“There are a lot of things at hand, in particular women’s rights and control over my body. There is only one real option to vote for today. I voted for Warnock. Tomorrow, if Walker wins, I would be really disappointed — let’s just terminate everything.”
Chandra Gallashaw, Atlanta, community organizer
“Today is important because we have been praying at the polls for 22 days. This election is so important because one of the “W” will win. We need someone in office that will lead us in the right direction. We come out to ensure that the community knows that they have support while they are voting today. As a collective, we have been pushing voters to vote this whole election and are happy that we are in the home stretch.”
Jarita Whatley, Atlanta, entrepreneur
“For me, other than just being a normal run-off, this election is about your ability to voice the wrong-doing and the attack on women’s rights. This election is about freedom of choice. Every opportunity to vote is giving thanks to our ancestors that fought for our right to vote. It’s also important to keep the stronghold on the Senate.”
Sophia Warren, Atlanta, community coordinator
“Today is important because of all the hard work that everyone has done to get us here. It is rewarding to vote and see people voting. We already won because we showed up in the face of voter suppression.”
Mykah Owens, Atlanta, canvasser
“I voted today because our rights are on the line. People deserve to have their voice heard. Knowing the importance of saying what you want and coming out to exercise your rights is impactful. … People are excited to vote to make changes, and it’s great. Tomorrow, we are still unsure on what will happen, but we hope people just exercise the right to vote.”
Allove Kent, Conyers
“Today is important to get out and vote because it’s a run-off, every vote counts. We have to stand for something or we will fall for anything. My family was a part of the Black Panther party in Illinois, so coming out today was about legacy.”
Lekha Jones, Sylvan Hills, salesperson
“We are living in a godless society. This is my third election, it was important for me to come today to interact with people that are like-minded to ensure that the right person won. Also, to share and understand people that don’t think like me was another important part of today. If my candidate doesn’t win tonight, I know that it can be a very somber moment, but also the sun can come out tomorrow as well.”
