Student-led march routes hundreds to Mecklenburg polls
Organizer cites inspiration from A&T marches as first-time voters close out early voting period.
By Fatou Mitchell ·
A gap in polling location availability forced hundreds of UNC Charlotte students to cover a one-mile distance on foot to cast their ballots in the final days of early voting. The group, representing approximately 20 campus organizations, gathered near the student union at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28. They proceeded on foot to their nearest voting site, which required the line of voters to wind through the parking lot of the former University City Regional Library.
The logistical arrangement stems from a historical shift in how the university handles elections. A representative from the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections noted that while UNC Charlotte hosted a polling site in 2024, it typically does not serve as a location for midterm cycles. The board attributes this pattern to lower historical turnout at the university during those specific races.
Sawyer Hook, a freshman who founded the nonprofit The Greater Good, coordinated the event. Hook stated that the march mirrors similar student-led efforts at North Carolina A&T. He emphasized that the initiative focuses on the act of voting rather than dictating specific candidates or parties.
"I'm not one to tell people how to vote or who to vote for, but I am one to say to vote," Hook said. "Regardless of what I believe, I can't change the way other people think. However, I can change whether people vote and how eager they want to do that for themselves."
Participants included many first-time voters. Jada Jewel, a student, described the experience as empowering, noting the ability for students to make a tangible change. Nyzia Heath, another participant, framed the act of voting as a continuation of efforts by her ancestors to secure a voice for their community.
U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, D-N.C., arrived at the polling location in her district to support the students. Adams told the group that their participation matters because an uncast vote has no effect. "I think what's really important is that these young people understand that their vote does matter because some people would tell me well my vote doesn't matter well it won't matter if you don't cast it," Adams said.
The march concluded with the students entering the polling station to complete their ballots. The group’s action coincided with the closing days of the early voting window for the midterm election.
