Saginaw's Black Voters Could Sway Election – If They Turn Out

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In the heart of Michigan, the battleground state critical to both Trump and Harris, a large percentage of Black voters in Saginaw remain undecided – or disinterested. Despite making up nearly half of the city’s population, many Black residents historically have not cast ballots, and this year is no different.

Civil rights activists and local organizations are working hard to change that. Terry Pruitt, president of the local NAACP, is running voter education campaigns but admits the challenge is steep. “There’s a lot of apathy here. For many, voting just isn’t a priority,” says Pruitt, noting that economic and social pressures often overshadow political concerns.

Saginaw’s population reflects deep racial divides, especially across the Saginaw River. The east side, predominantly Black, consistently shows lower voter turnout compared to other areas. Despite Michigan’s record voter turnout in 2020, many neighborhoods in Saginaw still saw less than 40% of registered voters participate.

Activists like Jeff Bulls, leader of the Community Alliance for the People, say the problem runs deep. “People feel disconnected. They don’t believe government impacts their lives. It’s a struggle to change that mindset,” Bulls explains. Recent political visits, such as President Biden’s trip that excluded meetings with Black leaders, have only added to the community’s disenchantment.

However, Kamala Harris’s historic candidacy as the first Black woman to run for president is sparking some excitement. Local Democratic leaders like Aileen Pettinger are seeing a renewed sense of hope, but they acknowledge that enthusiasm alone won’t win the election. “We need to get people to the polls,” Pettinger emphasizes.

Campaigners are optimistic that new measures, like Michigan’s nine-day early voting period, will help. “Souls to the Polls” initiatives, where churches guide their congregants to vote after Sunday services, are a vital strategy in this effort. Yet, resources remain scarce, and activists lament the lack of broader political support for their voter engagement efforts.

As the 2024 election looms, Saginaw’s voters could prove pivotal in determining Michigan’s outcome. But the question remains: will they show up?