To: LaWana Mayfield, Council Member, James Mitchell Jr., Council Member, Dimple Ajmera, Council Member, Gregory A. Phipss, Council Member, Julie Eiselt, Mayor Pro Tem, Braxton Winston, Council Member, Larken Egleston, Council Member, and Mat...

Change Registered Voter Requirement for Boards and Commissions

As a resident of the City of Charlotte, I am writing to ask that as the Charlotte City Council reviews the requirements for membership to boards and commissions, that you replace the requirement that a candidate be a “registered voter” with a revised requirement that the candidate be a “resident of the city of Charlotte”. 

If all residents of Charlotte, regardless of voter status, were allowed to pursue membership on boards and commissions, we could engage previously underrepresented communities, becoming a more democratic and inclusive society that values and celebrates the diversity of experience, cultures, and viewpoints that make up our great city.

Why is this important?

Currently, membership in Charlotte and Mecklenburg boards and commissions are limited to "registered voters". This means that to officially be a member of these commissions, you must have the right to vote. This is an exclusive policy that denies a voice to many in Charlotte and Mecklenburg.

When non-voters are left out, they are excluded from the democratic process and their voice are lost. In many cases, these are people who are not allowed to or are ineligible to vote for reasons such as age, national origin, and parole status.

This coming week, the Charlotte City Council will be reviewing and possibly voting to change this policy. Please sign the petition and encourage them to change it.