As the 2024 election approaches, Georgia’s significance as a battleground state intensifies, particularly after President Joe Biden’s narrow victory in 2020. Traditionally a Republican stronghold, Georgia’s political landscape has shifted, and both Biden’s administration, through Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump are investing heavily in the state. Their strategies underscore the belief that turnout among eligible voters—and particularly those who previously abstained—is key to the election outcome. Due to historical trends, this campaign season focuses on addressing the barriers to voting for individuals at lower socioeconomic levels, particularly in areas like Bibb County, which exemplifies the challenges posed by poverty and a diverse demographic.
Despite record turnout in 2020, a significant 75 million eligible voters nationwide did not participate. Within Bibb County alone, around 47,000 eligible voters refrained from casting their ballots. This gap in participation raises critical questions about voter engagement, especially among poorer demographics. Data indicates that many nonvoters in 2020 were younger, less educated, and of minority backgrounds, with salience given to income levels. The U.S. Census data suggest a substantial overlap between poverty and nonvoting, indicating the political importance of addressing the needs and barriers for these populations.
Demographically, Bibb County is characterized by a high proportion of African American residents, a significant number of unmarried individuals, and a youthful population. Many residents lack higher educational qualifications, which contributes to their socioeconomic struggles. The education system highlights this context, with over 60% of students in Bibb County needing free or reduced-price meals. Organizations like the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank point to an overall poverty rate of 18.5% in the region, emphasizing the critical role of food security and financial assistance among the community’s vulnerable populations.
Barriers to voting for lower-income individuals are diverse and complex. Factors such as past criminal justice issues, childcare responsibilities, and transportation challenges often hinder participation. Additionally, the electoral process can be daunting for those dealing with homelessness or unstable housing situations, where address requirements complicate early voting. Many individuals feel disconnected from candidates’ proposals and fail to see how issues like tax cuts or educational debt forgiveness apply to their immediate realities, reaffirming the notion that economic stability must be prioritized.
Organizations such as Mother’s Nest—launched to support young mothers—illustrate the need for local initiatives to foster civic engagement among economically disadvantaged groups. The service approach is holistic, addressing various needs beyond just voting, including food distribution and educational workshops. As Sabrina Friday, the founder, points out, citizens facing urgent survival dilemmas often deprioritize civic duties like voting. This highlights the disparity in political engagement between those with secure livelihoods and those grappling with daily challenges of poverty.
Notable figures in political advocacy, such as LaTosha Brown of Black Voters Matter, argue for more resonance in political messaging that reflects everyday economic struggles. It is becoming increasingly apparent that discussions surrounding basic living costs and housing are crucial for persuading disenfranchised citizens to recognize voting as a vehicle for addressing larger systemic issues. Campaigns are becoming more aware of the need to engage low-propensity voters through targeted outreach strategies. Both the Trump and Harris campaigns deploy varied methods to encourage participation among these demographics, leveraging tools from traditional canvassing to digital platforms, acknowledging the unique barriers faced by voters in economically disadvantaged communities in Georgia.