Editorial: Be a 'Democracy Hero'

North Carolinians have voices and these days they want to be heard. They have taken to the streets in our state capital and in communities large and small throughout the state.

Sure, people are protesting, shouting and marching, whether it is: more funding for public schools; “reopening” business and other facilities closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; taking down Confederate monuments; demanding 2nd Amendment rights; or ending systemic racism.

These peaceful and lawful actions: heighten awareness; get the ear of public officials; and sometimes even spur action and change.

But nothing, NOTHING, speaks louder than the brief solitude of a voter’s choice on a ballot. Nothing gets more attention from of a politician.

Typically a bit more than two-thirds of the state’s registered voters cast ballots in a presidential election. That’s 5.1 million voters this year. We need to do better. Because of the pandemic, voting for some will be challenging.  Still, that is no reason why voting participation can’t be record-setting.

Voting in a pandemic presents plenty of challenges. But through the efforts of the State Board of Elections with funding from the federal and state government, there will be help. Elections officials are recruiting legions of “Democracy Heroes” who WILL BE PAID to help make sure those who want to vote, don’t miss the opportunity. This good idea is NOT partisan.

If you’re a Libertarian, Green, Constitution, Republican or Democratic party member – you can help. North Carolina want’s you!

Thousands of heroes need to step up to help staff the state’s 500 early voting sites; the 2,700 Election Day polling places; and provide direct assistance to voters who will be seeking aid for absentee voting by mail and other matters.

Registered voters can sign up for jobs to help in their county working at polling places during early voting and on election day; setting up and closing voting facilities; checking-in voters and providing the appropriate ballots. And they can give personal assistance to voters upon requests – such as obtaining mail-in absentee ballot applications.

There is no higher calling in our nation than fulfilling our most basic civic obligation – voting.

But now there’s the chance to do even more – and get paid too. Sign up to be a “Democracy Hero” and help people in your community vote.

No cape required.