Historical September–October 2017 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
When I decided to run for Alderwoman, several people told me we’d be lucky if 1,000 people voted in the special election on July 11.
After all, election day was in the middle of the summer when people aren’t used to thinking about elections. Many people would be vacationing and the heat would keep a lot of people indoors.
With nothing but an aldermanic race on the ballot, it was going to be tough to get people charged up enough to come out and vote. Despite a 99 degree high for the day, 2,085 people voted in the 28th Ward election to fill the vacant seat left when Alderman Krewson became the first woman mayor of St. Louis.
A little over 150 of those voters took the time to vote absentee.
I was elated when Mayor Krewson shared with me the news on election night that, through the hard work of many people, our campaign ended up with 69% of the total votes. Before the polls opened on election day, already over a dozen volunteers had been up since 4 am to deliver door hangers. Over the course of the day, at least another 30 braved the heat for hours at a time in front of one of the six polling places. Still others gave up their lunch breaks to make phone calls and serve as election judges. Throughout the campaign over 100 people volunteered their time to knock on doors, deliver yard signs, and help spread the word.
I could not have turned out over 2,000 people by myself.
There is no doubt this is an active and engaged ward.
The 28th has benefited from strong leadership in its elected officials and neighborhood leaders. Despite the unexpected turnout we had for a summer election, the right to vote continues to be undermined. Voting on a work day makes it difficult for people to participate.
The influence of private, corporate interests discourages people from feeling that their vote matters. Missouri’s new voter photo ID law threatens to deter some people from voting (but as long as you are registered you can cast a ballot with or without a photo ID).
This past election gives me hope.
If we can mobilize over 2,000 people on a hot day in July, what more can we do to carry out the change we want to see in our city and in our country? Mark November 7, 2017 on your calendar.
The next election is shaping up to have a number of items that will affect our communities.
We will need more volunteers to help get out the vote.
If you’re not already involved with your neighborhood association or the 28th Ward Democratic Club, those are great ways to stay informed and engaged. Let’s keep up the momentum and turn out to make a difference on November 7th! For questions or more information on how to get involved contact Alderwoman Heather Navarro at navarroh@stlouis-mo. gov or 314.622.3287.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2017.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2017_09.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
