North Omaha Hosts "Raise The Vote" Rally

Community Wants To Register 6,000 New Voters in September

By Paul Gutierrez

CREATED 4:40 PM

Omaha, NE - The effort to increase voter turnout in November started Saturday with making sure people are registered.

"We just want to get as many people out to vote as possible," said Terrie Jackson-Miller of North Omaha's Neighborhood Alliance.

At North High School, community leaders joined with non-profit organizations to "Raise the Vote," which reflects a non-partisan rally attracting even church pastors who believe it's their civic duty to make sure others are engaged.

"The role of the church in politics is to be a voice for the voiceless," said Reverend Kenneth Allen of Zion Baptist Church.

Local ministers who attended have a goal of helping North Omaha register 6,000 new voters in September.  It's their way of being a part of this election cycle without endorsing a candidate, but for them this is only the beginning.

"Getting people registered is really just the first step," said Reverend Michael Williams of Risen Son Baptist Church.  "Getting people to the polls is what counts."

A big target this year is the younger generation or those between the age of 18 and 29.  Those in attendance Saturday believe getting through to them can be accomplished with one simple message.

"Just like every other voter, for them to recognize that the political process affects their daily lives," said Allen.

It's a message Allen believes is the key to a higher turnout.