"Your Voice. Your Vote." Will Give Public Chance to Meet Local, State, and Judicial Candidates

Do you know anything about the candidates on this fall's ballot other than John McCain and Barack Obama? Come meet face to face with your state, local, and judicial candidates during "Your Voice. Your Vote." September 21, 12-4 p.m. at the Levine Museum of the New South.

During this free, non-partisan event, you will be able to talk directly to candidates, receive voter guides, and register to vote. The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections will have a voting machine on hand for demonstrations as well as a computer for you to check your registration.

Mert's Heart and Soul will provide complimentary refreshments and the museum's exhibit halls will be open. Also, join us as we discuss the relationship between the media and the public during "The Changing Face of Politics" open forum from 3-4 p.m.

Candidates and elected officials confirmed to speak include U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan, N.C. Gubernatorial candidates Pat McCrory and Bev Purdue, N.C. State Representatives Beverly Earle and Robert Pittenger, N.C. State Senator Malcolm Graham, Mecklenburg County Commission candidates Harold Cogdell, Hal Jordan, Dan Ramirez, Jennifer Roberts, and more. Panelists will include Charlotte Observer political video columnist Tonya Jameson and CNN and Fox News political contributor Lenny McAllister (The Hip-Hop Republican).

"Your Voice. Your Vote." is being brought to you by the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists in partnership with the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and GenerationEngage. Sponsors include the Levine Museum of the New South, Charlotte magazine, the Charlotte Chamber's Black Professionals Network, and Mert's Heart and Soul.