Leaders Urge African-American Women In Wisconsin To Vote

A national union leader and a Milwaukee religious leader are focused on getting African-American women out to the polls for the November election.

Eighty-three percent of registered black female voters voted in the 2012 presidential election compared to 73 percent of women of different races, according to an American Federation of Labor report.

In 2012, there were more than 1 million black female surge voters – people who only voted in the presidential election.

It’s important surge voters stay informed in order to vote down the ballot, said Teresa Thomas-Boyd, executive director of Central City Churches Outreach Ministry in Milwaukee.

“You need to look at a total platform,” Thomas-Boyd said. “Don’t just listen to what we call the emotional issues and topics of the day and let those two things or three determine your vote. Know what you’re for.”

Thomas-Boyd said they are working to get churches in the African-American community to educate potential voters.

Jamal Watkins, the AFL-CIO’s director of national outreach, said ongoing efforts in attracting black women’s votes is essential.

“We have to continue to harness the power of women,” Watkins said. “And for black women (to) know that they are leading the way in fighting for working families across this country and in the state of Wisconsin.”

Watkins said it is important this turnout remains high despite the lack of enthusiasm among some voters for the current presidential candidates.