FLINT, MI — The Genesee County Democratic Party Black Caucus has announced the launch of a bold, community-driven campaign to increase voter turnout in Flint to 70% in the upcoming election cycle, in which voters will decide key local, state, and federal races that will shape the community’s future.
At the local level, Flint voters will elect the mayor, all City Council seats, and three school board members. At the state level, voters will select the next Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Senator, and State Representatives. Additionally, at the federal level, voters will elect a new United States Senator.
Past high turnout, like 2008 and 2020, shows Flint voters can make a difference, inspiring confidence in our collective power.
These examples demonstrate the level of participation Flint-area voters can achieve. However, the Black Caucus emphasizes that the decisions that most directly impact residents’ daily lives, such as schools, neighborhoods, public safety, and economic development, are often made in local and state elections, where turnout is significantly lower.
As part of this effort, the Black Caucus has launched a community survey to hear directly from residents about the issues that matter most to them. The survey will remain open through April 21, 2026, the deadline for candidate nomination petitions, and will guide the Caucus’s voter engagement strategy leading up to Election Day.
Residents can complete the survey here:
https://geneseecountyblackdems.org/survey
“This campaign is about listening to the people of Flint and turning that into action,” said Royce Stephens, Chairman of the Genesee County Democratic Party Black Caucus. “We’ve seen what turnout looks like in presidential elections like 2008 and 2020. Our challenge and our opportunity is to bring that same level of energy and participation to the elections that shape our day-to-day lives. If we want better outcomes for our community, we have to show up and vote in these elections.”
The campaign will run from April through Election Day on November 10 and will include:
- Community town halls and candidate forums
- Door-to-door outreach and voter education
- Phone banking and text outreach
- Partnerships with local churches and community organizations
- Absentee ballot assistance and ride-to-the-polls efforts
- The return of the Black Caucus Voter Guide to inform voters on key races and issues
The Black Caucus said it realizes that it can not reach this goal on its own. It will require an all hands on deck approach. It is inviting community organizations, faith-based institutions, and civic groups to join this initiative and partner in building a coordinated, citywide effort to increase voter participation.
The Genesee County Democratic Party Black Caucus is committed to its mission of educating and engaging voters in the African American community and strengthening civic participation across Genesee County. Through this initiative, the Caucus aims to build a sustainable model for voter engagement that extends beyond a single election cycle.
Residents interested in supporting this effort or becoming members of the Black Caucus can sign up here:
https://geneseecountyblackdems.org/join-the-caucus
About the Genesee County Democratic Party Black Caucus
The Genesee County Democratic Party Black Caucus is dedicated to educating and engaging voters in the African American community, advocating for equitable policies, and strengthening civic participation across Genesee County. Learn more at https://geneseecountyblackdems.org/
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