By Dianne Anderson

No one needs a degree in political science to know that something weird is afoot.

Big challenges ahead have advocates coalescing around the single goal –  do whatever is necessary to get the community ready for what’s coming in November.

Alton Garrett said Westside Action Group (WAG) held one of several community meetings last week with more to come to help draw leaders together to reach those not yet registered to vote.

He said it’s important to understand who and what is on the ballot.

“We are alerting everybody that if you’re not registered to vote, you need to get registered to vote. And, not only registered, but register and then go vote,” said Garrett, WAG president.

Some people, even those seeking elected seats, are still unclear on the process of running for office, he said.

The Election Ballot goes out in early October, and there is no reason to not lag. Better still, he recommends becoming familiar with ballot choices ahead of time, and filling it out at the post office before it has a chance to get lost at home on the countertop.

WAG wants to energize the community on being conscious about the voting process, and how to change the election outcome one vote at a time.

It’s not a big ask, and doesn’t even require licking a stamp.

“As soon as I get mine, sometimes I don’t even leave the post office before I fill it out and send it back in. I’ve already done my research. I know who to vote for and what propositions are on the ballot,” he said.

He especially likes deep diving into the propositions starting with Ballotpedia.org, which usually gives a good backgrounder. For the candidates, he visits their personal websites to see where they stand on the issues.

“I also go to the Secretary of State’s website to see where they’re getting their money. They always say follow the money,” he said.

Until Election Day, he plans to host more meetings. As WAG engages the community for every election cycle, they will send out ballot recommendations to all who request by email.

As political tensions run high nationwide, he feels the community should brace for what could be serious repercussions come November. Civil unrest is not out of the forecast.

“We have with this election the most divided country, the division runs deep,” he said. “Regardless of how this goes down on November 5, we could have another January 6 regardless of who gets in.”

Kayla Booker, founder of B.L.A.C.K. Collective, and first alternate of Riverside County Democratic Central Committee, is also concerned about voter turnout and getting everyone prepared because so few Black and Latinos turned out for the primary ballot.

On Saturday, August 31, the community is invited to Rolling to the Polls, focused on roller skating and registration for ages 13 to 35. The event will be held from 1:30-4:00 p.m., located at 7100 Arlington Ave in Riverside.

Booker, along with other Black Young Democrats of the Inland Empire, said they are partnering to get more people of color in line and expand civic engagement.

“We teamed up with the Registrar of Voters Office in Riverside. If it’s their first time registering to vote they can vote. The first 40 who arrive and are not yet registered to vote can get in free. We’re hoping that will bring out a younger crowd,” said Booker, also field organizer for Democrat Will Rollins, who is running against Republican Ken Calvert in November.

Mobilizing the vote for the Presidential election is critical, but Darrell Frye said to remember that the local perspective is equally important.

“Here in the IE, the goal is to expand representation of those elected, and also to make sure the voices and needs of the Black community, especially the young IE community are being recognized and represented. We’re very excited,” said Frye, President of the Black Young Dems (IE).

BLYDIE chartered this past January under the umbrella of California Young Democrats. He said their members continue to gain community trust.

“I work in the State Assembly as a field rep, and also Kayla. It’s important for us to have these conversations to build space for general political conversations. Rolling to the Polls is going to be just that,” said Frye, district representative for Assemblymember Dr. Corey Jackson (D-Riverside).

Electricity is in the air and voters are charged up with the Harris-Walz ticket, especially young people.

“But there are also pockets of communities, even white men for Harris, and silos showing collective force. That’s what we’re doing with Black Dems. We want to make sure that the Inland Empire Black community has a voice at the table,” he said.

Moreno Valley where he grew up has the highest Black population in the region, but he said his organization covers all of the IE, and they welcome more club support to creatively energize voters.

Next up, a fundraiser in conjunction with Riverside County Young Democrats and BLYDIE will focus on addressing issues of equity in education in the IE, including Temecula Valley Unified School District’s ban on critical race theory, and Perris Union High School’s decision to get rid of Diversity Equity and Inclusion Department, programming and positions.

“We want people to realize that local elections touch them the most –  your neighborhood, your local issues through your local election. One of our missions at the IE component is focused on city council, county level, and be mindful remember local elections do matter,” he said.

To learn more, see

California Election Tools:
https://www.vote.org/state/california/

CA Secretary of State Nov. 5 Election:
https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/upcoming-elections/general-election-nov-5-2024