National Pan-Hellenic Council Encouraging Voter Participation

November 3, 2020 will be a big election in our nation. There is a lot at stake regarding the final results. To make sure Hamilton County residents are aware of important election dates, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) of Chattanooga will hit the streets, social distance style adhering to all safety guidelines in caravans/canvasses.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), which is a collaborative council composed of historically African American Greek-letter fraternities and sororities, wants to remind citizens that their VOTE COUNTS. The nine NPHC organizations are sometimes collectively referred to as the “Divine Nine (D9) strongly believes that our democracy is at its best when all of our citizens have a voice and the opportunity to be involved which includes the most vulnerable, minorities and communities of color that are often overlooked and left out. Notable members of the divine nine that fought for justice and change are Congressman John Lewis (Phi Beta Sigma), Minister C.T. Vivian (Alpha Phi Alpha), Benjamin Hooks (Omega Psi Phi) , Ralph Abernathy (Kappa Alpha Psi) , Bobby Rush (Iota Phi Theta), Shirley Chisolm (Delta Sigma Theta), Gwendolyn Sawyer Cherry (Sigma Gamma Rho), Autherine Lucy Foster (Zeta Phi Beta), Bernice King (Alpha Kappa Alpha).

The Chattanooga Chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council has planned three neighborhood “GO VOTE” caravans/canvasses to encourage citizens to register to vote, know their voting status, and VOTE in the upcoming election. The first Caravan/Canvass will be Saturday September 19 starting at 10 AM in the following neighborhoods: Avondale, Bushtown, East Chattanooga, and Glenwood. The goal is to reach areas that had low voter turnout in the last big election cycle. In addition to the “GO VOTE” caravan, door hanger flyers with important election dates (registration, absentee deadline, early voting, and election) will be hung on mailboxes. The NPHC is a pillar in the African American society to promote community awareness through educational, economic, and cultural service activities. With the looming COVID-19 imprinting a devastating negative impact on the way we currently live, the Chattanooga Chapter of the NPHC wants to promote absentee and early voting.

For more information about becoming a poll official, voter registration or absentee by-mail ballot, visit www.govotetn.com