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 The
Watauga Democratic Party opened its campaign headquarters three
weeks ago in anticipation of the upcoming election, and its official
opening took place Sept. 6.
Volunteers
at the headquarters promote Democratic candidates, both local and
national, inform people about the candidates and encourage people
to volunteer.
Although
volunteers are encouraging people to vote Democrat in November,
they are encouraging people to vote in general, volunteer Carole
Hatch said.
As
part of the headquarters’ “Get Out and Vote” campaign,
volunteer Donna Duke said volunteers are registering citizens to
vote, contacting potential voters through letters to encourage them
to vote on election day and will be calling voters on Election Day
to make sure they’ve voted. Hatch said on Election Day, volunteers
will also be providing rides to people who need to get to the polls.
Hatch
said Appalachian State University students have come by the headquarters,
but many are unaware they can register to vote in Watauga County.
Hatch said she wants to make sure Appalachian State students know
they can vote in Watauga County or by absentee ballot and that they
know of the different ways and places to vote.
A big
part of getting people to vote is making sure they feel comfortable
and not overwhelmed, Duke said.
The
headquarters has seen many young people come to get information.
“I’m thrilled to see that,” Duke said.
Another
aspect of the headquarters is clearing things up about politics.
Duke said many people have a negative opinion about politicians.
She
said they want to inform people that this is not always the case.
“It’s all about solving problems,” Duke said.
The
headquarters is also planning some events leading up to the election.
Duke said the college Democrats at Appalachian State have done a
lot of work for the events.
Hatch
said the headquarters being located on King Street is nice because
it is so close to campus. She said the location helps them serve
the campus and have campus activities.
Hatch
said she is volunteering at the headquarters because she has always
been interested in politics and cares about the future of her country.
“I feel very grateful to be an American,” she said.
“I
think people ought to care about the future of our country,”
volunteer Rebecca Saunders said.
Saunders
said she feels that people should vote because people in other parts
of the world cannot. “It’s their responsibility to vote
and play an active part,” Hatch said. “The very least
you can do is vote.”
Duke
said she feels sorry for people who do not think they play a part.
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