DAYTON, Ohio — The hosts of the 1528 podcast are starting on a journey to get people registered to vote in inner city areas.
“After looking at the numbers of voter turnout, especially in inner cities, we just realized we wanted to be the change we wanted to see,” Dre Walton, co-host of the 1528 Podcast, said.
Walton said the pandemic created an opening for the hosts of the 1528 Podcast to work remotely, so they took their show on the road, planning a 43-day tour that will stop in ten cities in four states.
“We’re all from areas, Cleveland, Flint, Michigan, Louisville, Kentucky, so we’ve seen people in our communities that don’t really understand or appreciate the election process, or haven’t really taken part,” Walton said. “So if we can help more people do that, whether it’s their first time, or they haven’t done it in a while, we just want to help impact and touch as many people along the way.”
Over the first three days in Dayton, the group estimates more than 100 people registered to vote or requested absentee ballots. One of those people was Michael Terrell.
Terrell appreciates what the group is doing because he feels this election is extremely important.
“If anything, the 2016 election, if from then till now, hasn’t shown you, we need to get out and vote and our vote does matter, then you haven’t paid attention,” Terrell said.
Walton said the tour is a crowd funded effort to help pay for the RV rental. And while living in an RV for over a month isn’t ideal, it’s a sacrifice they were willing to make.
“We’re just trying to do everything that we can to make sure everybody’s voice is heard,” Walton said. “Because if you don’t get involved in this part of the process, you can’t complain.”
The 1528 podcast Inner City Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Tour will make stops in Cincinnati, Columbus, Akron, and Cleveland through the end of September. For specific dates visit their website.
