How Black Fraternities And Sororities Are Harnessing Social Media To Boost Voter Turnout

The Divine Nine, a group of historically Black sororities and fraternities, is stepping up efforts to increase voter turnout among Black Americans, as first reported by Wired.

As the US gears up for important elections, these organizations are using both public and private methods to encourage more people to vote, especially in communities where voter suppression is a concern.

Using Social Media and Private Chats to Mobilize Voters

Members of the Divine Nine are taking to social media to spread the word about the importance of voting. 

They’re sharing posts, videos, and voter registration links to reach as many people as possible. 

Platforms like Watch the Yard, which focuses on Black Greek life, are playing a big role by partnering with initiatives like Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote to help people check their voter registration status quickly and easily.

In addition to public efforts, these organizations are also coordinating in private with Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA), the first Black sorority, having a secret GroupMe chat with over 8,000 members dedicated to boosting voter turnout, according to Wired.

These private groups allow members to discuss strategies, share important information, and plan voter outreach without the pressure of staying neutral, as the organizations themselves cannot officially endorse candidates.

Tackling Voter Turnout Challenges

Black voter turnout has been inconsistent, with strong participation in presidential elections but lower numbers in midterms. 

The Divine Nine is working to change that by focusing on getting more Black voters to the polls in every election. 

This is especially important as recent studies show a gap in voter turnout between people of color and white voters, with Black Americans facing significant barriers to voting, like strict ID laws and gerrymandering.

The Divine Nine’s involvement in voter mobilization is part of a long tradition of civic engagement. 

These organizations have been involved in the fight for voting rights since the early 20th century, and their work remains as important today. 

Feature Image Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images.