x
Breaking News
More () »

Group aims to increase Black voter turnout after 'precipitous drop'

On Flashpoint, Colette Forrest says Black voters feel they're being ignored.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Black Voter Project is working to turn around a recent trend at the polls: A "precipitous drop" in Black voter turnout.

"In 2023, you had over 200,000 Black registrants in Mecklenburg County and only 71,000 Black voters cast their ballot," Colette Forrest, the group's founder, said on WCNC's Flashpoint.   

You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, just download the free app.

Forrest said those numbers have plummeted since 2020 and said voter apathy is serious problem. 

"They're being ignored and their interests are not being looked after. So, they've come to the conclusion, 'Why should I vote?'," she said.

To combat the low turnout, the Charlotte Black Voter Project is holding a series of informational sessions to educate voters and encourage civic engagement.  

Forrest said the group is nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates. 

Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on FacebookX and Instagram.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications

Flashpoint is a weekly in-depth look at politics in Charlotte, North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond with host Ben Thompson. Listen to the podcast weekly. 
SUBSCRIBEApple Podcasts || Spotify || Pandora  || Google Podcasts || iHeart 

All of WCNC Charlotte's podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere. 

Watch WCNC Charlotte each weekday morning from 4:30 to 7 a.m.

Before You Leave, Check This Out