Voter rights is one of the fundamental liberties Americans possess. It is also one of the greatest civic responsibilities U.S. Citizens have.
Wendy Sartory Link, Supervisor of Elections in Palm Beach County, has been working closely with local sports celebrities to encourage people to vote, get involved and become civically engaged. Her community outreach efforts to inform and educate residents about voting has resulted in increased voter registration and awareness of the upcoming August and November elections.
By strategically partnering with local sports icons, Link has been able to connect with more audiences about the importance of registering to vote, voter rights and the impact voting plays on individuals, their communities and the future.
Link launched a campaign in partnership with Anquan Boldin, former NFL wide receiver, Super Bowl Champion, Pahokee native and co-founder of the Players Coalition to encourage individuals to register to vote.
Boldin released a video spot to personally reach out to Palm Beach County residents with his message, “I’m encouraging you to be involved in your future. I vote because my vote counts. Let your voice be heard and register to vote.”
Founded in 2017 by Boldin and Malcom Jenkins, the Players Coalition strives to make an impact on social justice and racial equality at the federal, state and local levels through advocacy, awareness, education and allocation of resources. The Players Coalition is governed by a Task Force Board of 12 voting members and continues to grow its ambassadors with the shared collective goal of making a difference.
Dwight Stephenson, a former member of the Miami Dolphins and NFL Hall of Famer, also talked about the importance of voting and asked residents of Palm Beach County to get out and vote in the upcoming election. “When we vote, we all win,” Stepheon said.
Jack Nicklaus, retired American professional golfer who won 117 professional tournaments in his career, also promoted the importance of voting through a video broadcast that aired to Palm Beach County communities.
This year, Link expects the voter rolls in the county to reach one million. Alongside her community engagement to promote voting and registration, she has dedicated her time to ensuring that the county has the most secure system for the 2020 election.
“We want to make sure Palm Beach County has the most secure system we can possibly have,” stated Link at a meeting with the Coalition of Boynton West Residential Association members at the Villagio Social Club.
Although Palm Beach County’s elections system was not targeted during the 2016 presidential election, Link stressed the importance of ensuring the office does not repeat the 2018 recount issue.
Link’s efforts to continually promote voter registration and the impact voting plays on several aspects of one’s life and the community, has been heard across the county. She believes that in order to exercise an individual’s right to vote, one must understand their voter responsibilities and ensure they are registered ahead of an election.
In Florida, eligible individuals can register to vote at any time in an upcoming election at least 29 days in advance.
Link has also stated the importance of checking your voter registration to ensure you are on track to vote for the correct candidates and issues in the upcoming election.
“The voter party affiliation determines which candidates will be on your ballot during Primary Elections. Florida is a closed primary state meaning that individuals must be registered with a political party in order to vote in that party’s Primary Election,” said Link. “Voters may change affiliation at any time; however, it must be completed 29 days before a Primary Election to be considered valid in that election. Additionally, the residential address on file determines the issues and candidates that will be on an individual’s ballot. Voters may also request a Vote-by-Mail ballot which has grown in popularity due to the continual drive to curve the coronavirus.”
Link’s continual community outreach and partnerships with local community celebrities are a testament to her dedication to providing Palm Beach County voters with the most secure and fair election in 2020.
To register to vote, please visit: https://registertovoteflorida.gov/home.
For more information on voting in Palm Beach County, please visit www.PBCElections.org
To watch these videos, please visit https://www.facebook.com/pbcsoe/videos.
