Augusta marks Good Trouble Day with voting rights community forum

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - On Good Trouble Day, the anniversary of civil rights leader John Lewis’ death, organizers gathered in Augusta for a community conversation about voting rights, election access and civic participation.

Among the topics discussed was educating people about their voting rights, including those impacted by the justice system.

Gayla Keesee, co-president of the League of Women Voters of the CSRA, said the issue came into focus for her during a recent conversation ahead of a primary election.

“We were talking just before the primary and trying to tell people, it’s early voting, get out and vote,” Keesee said. “And a young man said, ‘I can’t vote.’ And I said, ‘why not?’ He said, ‘I’ve got a felony.’ And I said, ‘are you off paper?’ And he went, ‘yes.’ And I said, ‘how long?’ ‘Eight years?’ I said, ‘we’ll register you today. You are eligible.’ He cried, because he never thought that he would be able to vote again.”