Get involved: Meet voting rights activists in your neighborhoods, prepare for 2022 election

Katelyn Waltemyer, Staunton News Leader
·2 min read
Voting was fairly active Tuesday morning at the Buffalo Gap High School precinct in Augusta County's Pastures District with 59 voters having cast their ballots an hour after polls opened.
Voting was fairly active Tuesday morning at the Buffalo Gap High School precinct in Augusta County's Pastures District with 59 voters having cast their ballots an hour after polls opened.

Every year more people become eligible or are able to restore their rights to vote. Here's a look at some people and organizations that can help you submit your ballot this November.

Virginia Organizing is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for justice. It has representatives across the state who organize events in communities like Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County.

One of Virginia Organizing's focuses is increasing civic engagement. In the past, they have held voter registration training sessions, voter guides and educated people about their voting rights.

Here are people you should know about as we head into the 2022 elections.

Amanda Dameron is the Shenandoah Valley representative. She can be contacted at amandadameron@virginia-organizing.org or (540) 493-2128.

Amanda Dameron is the Virginia Organizing contact for both Staunton and Waynesboro.
Amanda Dameron is the Virginia Organizing contact for both Staunton and Waynesboro.

She grew up in Franklin County, Virginia and attended college in Harrisonburg. According to her online bio, she is determined to help people in the Shenandoah Valley with whatever issues they throw at her.

If you can't reach Dameron, give Brian Johns a shout. Johns, located in Charlottesville, is the executive director for Virginia Organizing. He occasionally steps in when Dameron is unavailable.

Brian Johns, executive director for Virginia Organizing, resides in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Brian Johns, executive director for Virginia Organizing, resides in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Johns can be contacted at BJohns@virginia-organizing.org or (276) 619-1920. Johns said staffers are still brainstorming event ideas for 2022. When it comes to voting rights activism, the Shenandoah Valley chapter typically hosts a few voting-centered events annually. This includes knocking on doors asking people if they're registered to vote, setting up tables in high-traffic areas like in front of a grocery store helping people register to vote, and forums.

Andrea Jackson, a Waynesboro resident, spends much of her time volunteering with Virginia Organizing. She is focused on helping people restore their right to vote and can be contacted at miss.andrea.n.jackson@gmail.com or (540) 256-2783.

As a voting rights activist, Andrea Jackson has no problem writing and even meeting with her senators to discuss ways to make voting more accessible.
As a voting rights activist, Andrea Jackson has no problem writing and even meeting with her senators to discuss ways to make voting more accessible.

People can also go online to register to vote. Visit the Department of Elections website at www.elections.virginia.gov, click on the registration tab, select the "How do I become a registered voter?" link and click "online registration."

Residents can register to vote or ask questions about their votings rights at the following locations:

  • Augusta County Office of Voter Registration - (540) 245-5656

  • Waynesboro Voter Registration - (540) 942-6620

  • Staunton City General Registrar's Office - (540) 332-3840

Want to get involved? Head over to their website at www.virginia-organizing.org to look for upcoming chapter meetings and events in your community.

More: Progress and inclusivity: Activist Andrea Jackson wants everyone to register to vote

More: 6 ways to know what politicians are doing or to get involved, all from an unlikely source

More: Want Andrea Oakes or Carolyn Dull back in office or out of it? What to know about the process

— Katelyn Waltemyer (she/her) is the government watchdog reporter for The News Leader. Have a news tip on local government? Or a good feature? You can reach Katelyn at kwaltemyer@newsleader.com. Follow her on Twitter @Kate_Waltemyer.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: SAW voting rights resources and activists you should know before Nov