Voting/Organizing

The voting and organizing chapter focuses on the impact that COVID-19 has on being able to organize within the community for support and change, as well as the dynamic change in voting, and the ability to successfully vote. With the progression of the pandemic and the rise of a historical BLM movement, Newark residents have seen issues within the city rise, from access to water to getting groceries safely, alongside joining the battle against racism. Organizations across the city have had to adjust their initiatives and create new, innovative plans to continue their work, making sure that they are using safe practices in light of the dangers that the pandemic has presented. Newark has also seen essential workers begin to organize and think about their rights, as the pandemic has put them on the frontlines and shown that they are the foundation of society.

Voting itself has also changed drastically with the creation of mail in voting, as well as delays in mailing due to COVID-19. Citizens have not been properly informed of the adjustments to voting and as a result, voter turnout has been limited at best, with citizens struggling to continue voting or even get a start on how to vote. Organizing and voting go hand in hand, and focusing on how these two issues have dynamically been altered during the pandemic will serve to show the importance of voting for accountability, yet also organizing to continue the fight for change.