A.G. Gancarski
Youth may be wasted on the young. But the Jax Young Voters Coalition seeks to ensure the right of suffrage is not similarly squandered.
With that in mind, the group — in concord with AIGA Jacksonville — has set the evening of Oct. 1 for its “Ballots and Brews” poster show at the new Intuition Ale Works location downtown.
The event, starting at 6 p.m., is expected to attract 1,000 people, claims the YVC.
“Admission is free with voter registration card or registration at the event. Attendees will also be encouraged to sign a pledge committing to vote in the Nov. 8 election,” claims the press release.
Almost as if the organizers believe that pledge will be easier to swallow after a beer … or three.
While the event is designed to generate interest among young voters, the real action will be the poster competition.
For those who recall the first “Ballots and Brews,” held in 2015, there was a panoply of local candidates ahead of the city’s elections in March.
Though this is a different climate, the posters and political art — a tradition of AIGA’s going back to a 2008 event — will be a signature draw nonetheless.
There will be 400 posters displayed, including many from outside the area, including nationally known figures such as Paula Scher, Debbie Millman, and Milton Glaser.
And if your interest is in campaigns, Ballots and Brews has them, too. Both Congressional District 4 candidates (Democrat Dave Bruderly and Republican John Rutherford) will have representation, as well as Congressional District 5’s Glo Smith.
The event before the March 2015 city election was a lively affair, bringing together Republicans and Democrats under one roof. Reasonable expectations are that the Saturday night event will do likewise.
