Black women are ramping up their political organizing efforts in Virginia and other swing states across the country.

It's a key demographic for Democrats, who have been galvanized by the presidential nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris.

Shakya Cherry-Donaldson - executive director of the group 1k Women Strong - said in a webinar that voter turnout has dropped among Black women, particularly in 2022.

But this year could be a game changer.

"When budgets are decided, when bills are passed, when bills are struck down, where we decide where our foreign dollars are gonna go," said Cherry-Donaldson, "Black women have to be a part of every part of this process, and our well-being has to be considered."

Cherry-Donaldson was part of a recent video call with 44,000 participants rallying for Harris.

The group also raised $1.6 million in a few hours.

1k Women Strong is targeting more than a half dozen states - including Virginia - for its get out the vote efforts.

Nationally, Harris has a narrow lead over former President Donald Trump, according to a Reuters-Ipsos poll.

More than 90% of Black women voters cast ballots for Joe Biden in 2020, and African Americans are the largest racial minority in Virginia.

That means it will be critical for Harris to boost Black turnout if she wants the state to remain blue.

Trump recently questioned how long Harris has identified as Black, in comments that have drawn widespread criticism - and some puzzlement.

Cherry-Donaldson said pay equity and healthcare access will be critical issues this election cycle.

"We're at the bottom of every social wellness indicator in this country, period," said Cherry-Donaldson. "And I know until that is rectified, we are not talking about our fullest selves. So, Black women, for me, are central in imagining what this country can be."

1k Women Strong is running programs for voter registration, digital organizing and leadership development this fall.

Republicans are also working to gain support, particularly from younger voters of color, through messages about illegal immigration and the economy.

CORRECTION: The group is called 1k Women Strong. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said "One Thousand Women Strong." (12:34 p.m. EST., Aug. 5, 2024)


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With the Independence Day holiday weekend here, North Dakotans might be out at parades, fireworks shows and barbecues. However, new polling indicates that many Americans are struggling to feel optimistic about the state of the country.

A new Gallup survey shows 58% of U.S. adults say they're proud to be an American. While there are some partisan splits, the overall percentage is a record low for the annual poll question.

Barbara Headrick, president of the League of Women Voters of North Dakota, said it's not surprising, given the sharp divides between the two major parties. But she feels there's something else at play.

"There is still an after effect, I believe, from the pandemic from that separation from each other that we had," she said.

That the pandemic was so politicized is another complicating factor that prevented the country from healing, Headrick said, adding that it's understandable some Americans are very concerned about various rights being taken away. However, she noted the U.S. has deep flaws throughout its history, and there are still many more rights afforded today than in past decades.

If heated rhetoric clouding U.S. politics has got you down, Headrick said, you can still show American pride through actions.

"Find a way to love your country by making it better," she said.

Headrick said it can involve showing support for civil workers or volunteering at a local homeless or animal shelter. She added that expressing pride through elections doesn't just involve voting, noting that there are opportunities to stay informed about how your local government is addressing pressing issues, such as affordable housing.


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A new Indiana law, starting today, allows school board candidates to list their political affiliation on the ballot.

Candidates may choose to register with a political party, as independents or not disclose any affiliation. Those who do not select will have a blank space next to their name and straight-ticket voting will not apply to school board races. Those opposed to the new law said it injects unnecessary politics into a role traditionally focused on education.

Leslie Jacobs, a school board member for the Fayette County School Corporation in Connersville, is against the new law.

"In my 10 years, I couldn't tell you the political leanings of anybody on my board. Never comes up," Jacobs explained. "Our discussions are purely about educational opportunities, picking a superintendent, looking at budget."

She warned requiring party labels might discourage qualified candidates from running. Supporters of the new law said it increases transparency.

Jennifer Blackburn, a school board member for the East Allen County Schools near Fort Wayne, also opposes the new law.

"The scenario that there are four candidates potentially running and three are Democrat, one is a Republican -- this last school board election -- none of us were opposed," Blackburn pointed out. "As big as our county is, there are not a lot of people running."

The law will first affect school board elections in November.


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A three-part online training series on how to run for office and govern effectively begins Monday, designed for people running at any level of government office in Western states, including Wyoming.

The training is part of the Grassroots Democracy Program under the Western Organization of Resource Councils, a group organizing in rural parts of the West and includes Wyoming's Powder River Basin Resource Council.

Gwen Lachelt, political director for the group, said the series will help answer a broad range of questions.

"Everything from, 'Am I ready to run for office? How do I organize my campaign?' To, 'how do I govern, and how can I be an effective elected official?'" Lachelt explained.

As of Friday, Lachelt noted about 50 people had signed up for the training. Registration is still open until the event starts Monday at 5:30 p.m. MT.

Lachelt added she is seeing a lot of interest in running for office from people of all age groups and all backgrounds. She emphasized the group hopes to connect with Westerners who care about natural resources.

"Our goal is to build a bench of elected officials across our regions who will champion democracy and also work to protect the West's land, air, and water," Lachelt stressed.

Guest speakers at the event include Rep. Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, who is the House Minority Leader, and Kevin Williams, a board member of Colorado's Delta-Montrose Electric Association.


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