By Kennedy Jackson

Special to the Chief

The St. Paul AME Church Social Action Committee, under Senior Pastor Gerard Moss, Sr., held a Voter Education Forum for Central Florida voters seeking information about the issues and proposed six amendments in preparation for the November 5 general election.

Held on Sunday, September 29 at the church, the event also provided voters with valuable insights on how to access information about election issues and candidates, with a focus on fostering informed voting practices.

The forum featured a key panel discussion moderated by Central Florida trial attorney and co-host of the weekly podcast “Let’s Talk Nation” Gregory Jackson. Jackson provided an in-depth breakdown of the six proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the November ballot. These amendments cover important topics such as potential partisan school board, public campaign financing, and property tax rates. However, the topics garnering the most attention were recreational marijuana and abortion rights.

Jackson emphasized the role of the forum in empowering voters to make informed decisions.

“My role here today is to provide you with the information to help you be better prepared to vote. I am not here to tell you how or what to vote for,” Jackson said.

Participants from all political affiliations were invited to attend. The forum drew representatives from the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office, Democratic Women’s Club, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The League of Women Voters was also present and assisted attendees with voter registration on-site.

Bobby Scott, chair of the St. Paul AME Social Action Committee, reminded attendees of the power of voting.

“Voting is the second greatest power we have; prayer is the first,” he said, stressing the importance of both spiritual and civic responsibility,” Scott said.

One of the event’s central themes was the need to engage a broader demographic of voters. Hew Pinto, a local community advocate, highlighted the gap in male voter turnout.

“Right now, and for a long time, women have led the charge. Now is the time to focus on male voters, who do not turn out to vote as much,” Pinto said.

The forum concluded with a renewed commitment from the community to take action and be well-prepared for the November 2024 elections.

“The event has succeeded in equipping us with the tools necessary to be informed, active participants in the democratic process,” attendee Ella Gilmore said.

As the November election approaches, St. Paul AME Church plans to hold additional events aimed at encouraging voter engagement, continuing their mission of civic empowerment within the community.

“St. Paul AME is not just a church in the community, it’s the community’s church and will continue to stand ready to engage, inform and empower,” Pastor Moss stated.