By Kaitlin Hoskins, News Editor
The Etowah County Democratic Women’s Club is hosting a community picnic event at Moragne Park Saturday, August 17.
The goal of the event, according to club chairwoman Harolyn Morris, is to bring the community together for a fun night and get voters of all parties registered to vote in the upcoming presidential election.
“The event is for everyone, regardless of party affiliation,” Morris said. “Of course, we hope those voters vote Democrat, but we want them registered regardless. If they are already registered, we will help them find their polling location.”
Morris recalled that only about 47,000 registered voters in Etowah County voted in 2020.
“We hope to raise those numbers in 2024,” Morris said. “Every vote is important. That’s why we’re doing this. It’s a service to our community.”
The Etowah County Democratic Women’s Club is able to fund this event through their cake auction fundraiser held in April of this year.
The club began as a way to help women get involved in politics, according to Morris.
“It was a way to empower women to get involved,” Morris said in an interview with The Messenger in April of 2024. “It was a way to make sure their voices were heard.”
Formerly, the club held monthly meetings, but according to Morris, the meeting schedule is now quarterly. She said the meetings are open to everybody and anyone interested in joining the club can simply come to a meeting a speak with members present.
“We have about 150 active members,” Morris said. “We are hoping to grow that number and become more active.”
Evening Under the Stars picnic will kick off at 6 p.m. with a live DJ and inflatables for children. There will also be free food, laser tag and snow cones.
The event is free to everyone, but eligible attendees must show confirmation of their voter registration, either with a voter card or with confirmation through the Alabama Secretary of State’s website, or attendees can get in free by registering to vote at the event. To register, a valid, government-issued photo ID is required.
“This event is a perfect opportunity to gather with your community, enjoy great entertainment and get involved in the democratic process,” Morris said. “Join us for a fun-filled evening under the stars.”
The event will end at 9 p.m. and organizers of the event ask that no minors be left unattended during the evening.
For more information about the Etowah County Democratic Women’s Club, visit their Facebook page.