According to a survey conducted by the Black Civic Engagement Action Fund, Black people see voting as an essential tool for pushing policy reform. For example, 78% of respondents believe that if the Black community witnesses higher voter turnout rates, it can do two things:

  1. Increase their likelihood of shaping how legislation is passed
  2. Empower them to influence necessary, fundamental policy changes

The Urban League’s Community Convening and Social Justice Department focuses on fighting for social justice and highlights the racial inequalities in the black and brown communities’ relation to social mobility and economic empowerment. With this mission, the CCSJ Department is committed to the following:

  1. Registering African Americans and others to vote in all elections
  2. Access all voter platforms, such as early voting and absentee ballots
  3. Providing key voter information at events for our clients and the community.

 

  • 2020 Voter Education and Mobilization Efforts

    We hosted three community outreach events during the fall 2020 elections:

    •  On September 18, 2020, in partnership with the Oklahoma City Thunder, we hosted a live radio event at Perry Publishing and Broadcasting radio station located on northeast 23rdStreet in Oklahoma City

    •  We hosted an on-air outside radio voter registration event on October 4, 2020, at the Urban League in partnership with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Perry Publishing and Broadcasting

    •  In partnership with the Ice Event Center, we hosted a voter registration night on October 30, 2020

  • 2020 Voter Outreach Efforts

    During the fall 2020 elections, we contacted our clients via telephone, email, and information campaigns through our Urban League learning centers.  We were able to help our clients access voter registration, absentee ballot applications, provide critical information on the early voting process, and helped them locate poll locations. Additionally:

    •  We connected with 2,530 of our Urban League clients via telephone before voter registration and absentee ballot application deadlines. We assisted clients with questions on both the voter registration application and the absentee ballot process.  Also, we provided them with information on early voting and how to locate their polling place on election day

    •  We reached over 600 of our clients through our constant contact email system focusing on critical voter deadlines.  We also sent our clients information on registering to vote, locating absentee ballot applications, and polling locations for early and election day voting

    •  In coordination with staff at the Oklahoma City Urban League’s Hope Centers and child learning sites, we sent 114 parents voter registration applications, absentee ballot information, and key dates for voting during the fall election cycle via the program’s weekend food distribution program

    •  We assisted 150 people with questions on polling locations and dates on early voting during our voter registration event at the Ice Events Center.  Also, we handed out sample ballots and helped voters access information on candidates and state questions

    •  During the Thunder Voting Registration Event, we helped over 60 people register to vote, assisted them with questions on the absentee ballot, and provided important dates for early voting

  • 2020 Election Outcomes

    According to Presidential Election Data for Senate District 48 Polling locations, a key CCSJ focus area, the Urban League saw an additional 1,200 voters participate in the 2020 election.

  • 2021 Voter Education and Mobilization Efforts

    During the 2021 local election cycle, we are focusing on Oklahoma City School Board races.  Candidates for those races include:

    Board of Education Chairman race (city-wide election)

    • Paula Lewis (Incumbent)

    • Charles Henry

    • Wilfredo Santos Rivera

    District 1 Race

    • Brett Hayes

    • Carole Thompson

    District 2 Race

    • Lauri Bowman

    • James McHenry

    General Election Date: April 6th 

  • Items Completed

    • We hosted two virtual forums featuring Oklahoma City School Board Chairman candidates via zoom and posted on Facebook

    • At this point, over 514 people have viewed our school board forums on the Urban League Facebook page

    • Also, we contacted 1,853 Urban League clients via telephone. Our phone program has allowed us to disseminate information on school board candidates, how to register to vote, polling locations, and Covid-19 precautions for the February 9th election

  • Items in Progress