African American voter participation jumped six percent from the primary to the run-off, a major reason why Governor Edwards will be returning to office for another four years.
The Power Coalition was at the center of that effort, and Executive Director Ashley Shelton says the group knocked on over 298,000 doors, sent 375,000 text messages, and made over 350,000 phone calls.
“We did a lot of work, and we kind of changed our approached as well from the primary to the run-off and really went old-school,” says Shelton.
JMC Analytics says voter turnout in 70% black precincts was up 13% over the primary, compared to just 1.5% in 70% white precincts.
Shelton says this year’s minority turnout will help keep minority priorities in the conversation in Baton Rouge, regardless of party affiliation.
“Just ensuring that African American, Latino, and Vietnamese voters in the state of Louisiana had a voice, and that they exercise that voice,” says Shelton. “I don’t care who you voted for, but you needed to vote.”
Shelton says they weren’t the only ones driving minority voter turnout, she credits President Trump’s three visits to Louisiana for energizing minority voters.
“It had the effect that folks are like, there’s really something at stake here about the values of our state and the direction of our state, and we really need to get out to vote,” says Shelton.
