Letter: Registration drive is commendable

Monday, June 28, 2004 | 8:33 a.m.

I feel the people in Las Vegas and Reno, who have worked for six months to register voters and inspire others to participate in our democratic system of government, were judged unfairly in the Las Vegas Sun's June 11 article headlined, "NAACP campaign faltering: Voter registration program nowhere near original goals."

The work in Nevada to help the state move from 46th lowest in voter turnout (U.S. census data, 2000) is an effort that should be commended. Our state is the fortunate recipient of money and attention from many sources because of its classification as a political "battleground state."

Organizations that are active in building an unprecedented level of voter registration, education and participation in our state will make a positive impact that will be felt for many years.

It was unfortunate that the article implied that the voter-registration campaign by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was faltering. In fact, the level of participation and registration by the local NAACP branch, the NAACP's National Voter Fund and at least a dozen other organizations in Las Vegas and Reno are registering citizens at a rapidly increasing rate.

The organization and individuals who are working to increase citizen participation in our political process -- some are paid and some are unpaid -- should be applauded regardless of anyone's perceived goals. The goal should be to register as many citizens as practical with whatever resources available.

I am proud of the leadership of the local NAACP, the NAACP National Voter Fund, the Caucus of African American Nevadans and other groups for making political empowerment a high priority, and I pray that their efforts remain successful and continue to prosper.

LONNIE FEEMSTER Reno Editor's note: Lonnie Feemster is the former coordinator of the ongoing NAACP campaign in Nevada to increase the number of black and other minority voters. He resigned as coordinator in May to run for the Assembly.