Girl Scouts encourage voter registration
‘If you don’t vote, we don’t want to hear you,’ says Troop as mayor issues proclamation
By DON WILBURN
news@eveningtimes.com
It was a welcome surprise to be sure at last Thursdays’ city council meeting and a late addition to the agenda when West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon issued an official proclamation spurred on by the tireless efforts of a group of young people in the community, those of Girl Scout Troop 10136, declaring the fourth Tuesday in September as “National Voter Registration Day.”
“These ladies may not be of voting age right now but they are definitely getting involved to make sure [those eligible to vote] take this process seriously because this is what secures our democracy.” said the Mayor and that they “have committed to joining the national effort to support voter registration and citizen participation in our elections.”
Troop 10136 has been an active and positive organization in the West Memphis community going back several years, under the leadership of scout leader and City Director of Community Outreach Tawana Bailey with projects such as citywide litter clean-up and most recently distributing sweets at last year’s city-sponsored Halloween celebration. “We teach our girls to be the change they want to see. How can you be a change if you don’t vote? We encourage everyone over the age of 18 to register to vote and get out and make your voice heard” said Crittenden county Service Manager for the scouts and adding fervently “If you don’t vote then we don’t want to hear you on social media, we don’t want you to be the face of West Memphis, we don’t want you to represent us at all! Make your voice count by getting out and voting!”
See GIRL SCOUTS, page A3
Girl Scout Troop 10136 and West Memphis Mayor pose for a photo with framed proclamation
Photo by Don WIlburn GIRL SCOUTS
From page A1
Another young member of the troop, Taniyah Bailey, added “The reason I put my voice forward is because I am not of the age to vote but I feel that I can get out there and have the people who are the age to vote, to push them to want to vote and register.”
The message expressed by the young ladies in the troop and the proclamation by the Mayor could not be more timely as several local elections, including for mayor of West Memphis and Marion, and mid-terms quickly approach in November. Arkansas residents are encouraged to register at least 30 days prior to Election Day and may do so in person at locations such as the public library, county clerk’s of_ce and DMV among others or online at www.vote.org/ register-to-vote/arkansas/ or by calling 1-800-482-1127.
Troop 10136 will be following up their efforts next week on Oct 1 as they hold a rally at the old court house from 2-4 p.m. with food trucks and entertainment present.
