FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2026
Contacts:
Dr. Shanequa Smith, drshanequasmith@gmail.com, (304) 590-3713
Dr. Karen Williams, jkwms53@gmail.com, (304) 543-0248
Black Voter Impact Initiative and Partners to Host Candidate Forum October 6 in Charleston
Community Events Continue Through Early Voting with Strolls to the Polls
Charleston, W.Va. — Local community, civic, and religious groups are hosting a community forum Tuesday, October 6, where voters can meet candidates for federal, state and local offices, ask questions, and hear about their positions on critical issues. This forum allows voters to engage directly with candidates and make informed decisions before early voting and Election Day.
- Who: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Black Voter Impact Initiative, the Charleston Branch of the NAACP, and Rise Up WV
- What: Candidate Forum and Meet & Greet
- When: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
- 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Meet & Greet
- 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM – Candidate Forum
- Where: First Baptist Church, 432 Shrewsbury Street, Charleston, WV
Candidates will have the opportunity to set up informational tables beginning at 5:00 PM to speak directly with community members. The candidate forum and discussion will take place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
This event is nonpartisan and is intended to provide community members with an opportunity to learn about the candidates, hear their perspectives, and engage in meaningful dialogue about issues impacting our community. All candidates appearing on the ballot in Charleston and Kanawha County are invited to participate.
Stroll to the Polls
On Saturday, October 24, and Saturday, October 31, at noon, the groups will gather on the steps of the Kanawha County Courthouse at 409 Virginia Street East, Charleston, to “Stroll to the Polls” together. After a group photo, everyone will march together to the County Voter Registration Office at 415 Quarrier Street to early vote. Community members are invited to participate to show solidarity and encourage voter turnout.
Early Voting for the General Election begins Wednesday, October 21 and ends Saturday, October 31. West Virginia voters can access various online tools through the Secretary of State’s voter information portal at GoVoteWV.com.
