League of Women Voters of Macon to host candidate meet and greet

MACON, Ga. (WPGA) - Eleven candidates are expected to gather at a building in Carolyn Crayton Park this weekend to meet with voters. Organizers are urging people not just to vote, but to continue speaking out even after decisions are made.

“This is an opportunity for people to actually meet and talk to the candidates,” said Marty Koplin, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Macon.

Event aims to connect voters and candidates

The League of Women Voters of Macon is gathering local and statewide candidates for “Votes and Vibes,” giving people a chance to talk and get answers to their questions.

“Ask them how they feel about a particular issue, what do you think about the public schools, you know, what do you think about the laws that our legislature passed last year,” Koplin said.

According to a study from the Pew Research Center, approximately 50% of U.S. adults feel informed about the voting process. Organizers want to see that number go up.

“It drives me crazy when somebody says, I can’t vote because I don’t know enough about the candidates or I don’t know enough about the issues. Here’s an opportunity,” Koplin said.

Study points to voter disengagement

In 2022, a study conducted for the State Policy Network by Heart+Mind Strategies found that one-quarter of Americans do not feel voting makes a difference.

“Whether you like who’s in office right now or not, it’s a reflection of you as an American citizen,” Koplin said. “So, it’s up to you as an American citizen to either keep them in place, vote them out – pick up the phone and call them and tell them how you feel about things.”

Votes and Vibes will be held at the round building at Carolyn Crayton Park on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m.