Groups push to increase voter turnout in Omahas Black community [Video]

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – On Thursday, members of the nonprofit Black Votes Matter Institute of Community Engagement and other local groups urged north Omaha residents to vote next Tuesday.

“With our nation full of division and divisiveness, the anchor of our democracy lies in the opportunity for people to make their voices heard by going to the polls,” said Black Votes Matter’s get out the vote director Pastor Dwayne Hawkins.

They said the 2024 election is critical.

“Locally, it’s important as it relates to services, as it relates to things like education and the legislature, as it relates to funding for various projects and programs,” said Omaha NAACP president Pastor T. Michael Williams. “I think it’s really important that we understand that we have the voice to determine the direction that our communities go.”

In October, Black Votes Matter launched its campaign to get 1,500 new North Omaha voters registered by the 2024 election cycle.

Organizers Tuesday said they’re still working on …