Posted on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at 11:00 AM
According to a recent Boston Globe article, only 16.6% of registered voters participated in the state’s primary election on September 9th. In the black community in particular, low voter turnout has been a significant issue for quite some time. To combat that, on September 20, 2014, the Young Professionals Network of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (YPN-ULEM) held their 2nd Annual Get Out the Vote Community Barbeque. The purpose of this event was to promote the importance of voting, increase voter education, and assist community residents with voter registration. In addition to getting information about voting, YPN-ULEM members, supporters, community residents, as well as local politicians all gathered to enjoy the food and music. In attendance were current elected officials and candidates including Attorney General Martha Coakley, Charlie Baker, Evan Falchuk, City Councilor at Large Ayanna Pressley, City Councilor Tito Jackson, Representative Gloria Fox, and Suffolk County Sheriff Steve Tompkins. Additionally, the Coalition to Protect Mass Jobs, was present to talk to the participants about the gaming law. Councilor Pressley took a moment to encourage the crowd. “Don’t make this about rhetoric, make this about records. Do your homework”, said Councilor Pressley. Attorney General Coakley encouraged people to exercise their right to vote in every election, not just the major races. YPN-ULEM is an all-volunteer, non-profit auxiliary group which supports the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts through volunteerism, philanthropy, and membership development. The mission of the Young Professionals Network of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts is to build community, promote personal and career development, and cultivate a welcoming, inclusive environment in Greater Boston for young professionals.
