MANATEE COUNTY – Nationwide, the Census found black voter turnout was 59.6% in 2016, and down sharply from 66.6% in 2012. The lowest black turnout rate since 2000.
The National Urban League, BET, and more than 50 partner organizations have launched the first National Black Voter Day today.
The day is intended to “aid Black citizens against suppression tactics and ensure that their vote counts,” according to a press release.
Manatee County Commissioner Reggie Bellamy says he was shocked to see the low number of black voters in his district. Bellamy says if voters want to see the change they have to make the change by heading to the polls.
“It was kind of discouraging to see some of the numbers during the primaries that why I think strides like these are very important in order for us to find ways to have to have different campaigns to assure for the African American to go out and vote,” said Bellamy. “Historically I felt we’ve done pretty well.”
In the 2016 election reversed a pattern which favored the Democratic candidate in 2008 and 2012. In both of those elections, black Americans registered higher voter turnout
