Photo by Patrick C. Labbe

Summerville resident Marty Turney (left) and Beryl Hall

The Dorchester Country Democratic Women (DCDW), chaired by Margaret Goodwine of Ridgeville, recently held their monthly meeting on Monday, May 20th.

Special guest of the DCDW was Beryl Hall, former staff member of the US Senate and the Clinton White House. Hall has worked for nearly 40 years in Washington, DC, and aided legislation on women's issues and spearheaded grassroots efforts to help disenfranchised women across the country register to vote.

At this DCDW meeting, Hall shared insight on what she refers to as "Invisible Women." These "invisible women," she explained, are those who work, support their families and struggle day-to-day financially, and who fail to vote or get involved in the political process in any way. The reasons for their failure to vote and participate are numerous, says Hall.

Many of these women don't vote because they feel that they have not learned enough about the candidates, Hall said, and due to their time-consuming obligations. Also the result of these time-restricting schedules, many "invisible women" believe that they don't have time to vote, and don't know of the absentee voting option, either. Sadly, Hall noted, some of these "invisible women" don't believe that their votes will count. (MORE)

Hall encouraged all present at the meeting to reach out to these women, and to aid them in voter registration. Remind them that their votes are important, said Hall, and inform them of the absentee voting process, too.

A veteran of six presidential campaigns and numerous congressional campaigns, Hall is now aiding Linda Ketner in her run for the 1st US Congressional District seat, currently held by incumbent Henry Brown.

Women in our community who would like to vote in this year's major elections have two different options for registration: go to the county Voter Registration Office (201 Johnston St, St. George SC 29477), or get the voter registration form online (http://scvotes.org/files/VR_Blank_Form.pdf) and mail it to the same Voter Registration Office address. To participate in the November 4th elections, voter registration must be completed no later than October 4th.

Voters can request an absentee ballot application at the Voter Registration Office, too, and can make that request in person, by telephone (843-563- 0132), by fax (843-563-0186) and even by email (mmurray1@dorchestercounty.net).

Hosted at the Dorchester County Council Chambers in Summerville on the third Thursday of every month, the next meeting of the DCDW will be on June 17th at 7 p.m. Men are also invited to attend.