This Years voting numbers are taking a turn as the Midterm elections draws near.

The 2018 Midterm Elections is far different from previous elections.

 

There are more minorities and women running for open positions than previous elections.

With more diversity in candidates comes more diversity in people voting and those registering to vote.

 

According to the Pew Research Center database the number of Hispanic eligible voters currently is 29 million which is a Four Million increase from 2014.

A lot more minorities are registering because of the voice that is being heard.

The state of Georgia is also going against the grain with its political background as well with its candidates.

 

Stacey Abrams is the first female and African American running for state governor.

 

“For Georgia I think it is the right time frankly for Stacey Abrams as a candidate to challenge the Republican Party in Georgia,” said Dr. Brown associate professor at Georgia southern.

 

The Democratic candidate is not too far behind Republican candidate Brian Kemp.

 

This history breaking election has encouraged a surge in people registering to vote. According to the Secretary of State database there are currently 1.9 million registered Black voters in Georgia.

 

Voting is essential and is a way for voices to get heard, even students.

 

This has also encouraged organizations around campus to take some initiative.

 

Cedric James a student and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity inc is over their national program 

 

“Voteless people is a hopeless people” that encourages people to get out and vote

 

“The next four years are pretty pivotal, especially if you’re here in school now. If you’re a freshman and in the next four years they are talking about an important topic like hope scholarship that directly affects us students, so that’s the main reason I’m trying to get people out to vote,” said James.

 

They have been spreading the word about voting since last semester and have collaborated with other groups.and have seen numbers in the hundreds. His main focus is getting minorities out to vote.

 

“I definitely think more minorities should vote and I think more minorities have voted and are starting to realize the importance of them voting because a lot of times they try and do it later or it doesn’t apply to me, but with the current political climate they are starting to pay attention”

 

Among those numbers is Georgia Southern student Diamond Kemp who likes that her voice gets to be heard.

 

“I really like voting, even though I’m young it feels good to know my voice is being heard and I would hope other students are taking advantage of all the resources they have, it only takes a few minutes and I’m glad I did it.”

 

However with this surge in voting there are some downfalls as well. Brian Kemps Secretary of State office incorrectly cancelled some 340,000 voters according to Rolling Stone, some of which were black, which is sparking a huge controversy.

 

Since this Purge his office has been under investigation.

Kemp, who is the current Secretary of State is the crowd favorite to win the election. Him and Abrams’ are in a tight race . Kemp Currently leads Abrams 47.8 to 46.4.

 

Early voting ends Friday, November 2nd, but there is still time to register. Head to your local DMV or polling site to register.

 

The Midterm Elections will be held Tuesday, November 6th Nationwide.

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