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108-Year-Old Woman to Vote for the First Time

By goodblacknews on October 26, 2012
Joanna Jenkins: 108-Year-Old Woman to Vote for the First Time
Joanna Jenkins, a 108-year-old woman from Beaufort, South Carolina, is about to vote for the first time in her life.  After passing up her right for decades, she was finally compelled to cast her ballot after following this year’s presidential election and debates. Not only does she suddenly want to vote, but Jenkins’ cousin Shirley Lee says she’s excited about doing so and sharing the good news with everyone who visits.

Local channel WSAV News 3 reports:

“Now, because she can’t read or write, and does not have a state issued ID, her family didn’t think she’d be eligible to vote, but thanks to help from their family doctor and the Beaufort County Board of Elections she’s registered as an absentee voter.

But election officials say her case is extremely unusual. “It’s incredible, she grew up in a time when Jim Crow laws were fully in effect, and minority voter suppression was the norm, and to vote was a fight not a right and she is a great example to others that it’s never too late to vote and you should always exercise your right,” said Scott Marshall, director of elections in Beaufort.

Jenkins will be casting her vote for President Barack Obama.

article by Dorkys Ramos via bet.com

Published in Community, Politics and Seniors

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