With the clock ticking down to the final hours of advance voting in Georgia, the Wake Up With Dee Morning Show on News & Talk WAOK welcomed two dynamic powerhouses leading the charge for voter turnout: Daria Dawson, Executive Director of America Votes, and media personality, actress, and activist Claudia Jordan.
Hosted by Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler alongside co-host Keith Granberry, the broadcast blended grassroots strategy, political analysis, and candid humor to deliver an unmistakable message to listeners: voting is not just an occasional exercise—it is the foundational tool that dictates every aspect of everyday life.
The Power of the Ground Game: Organizing 365 Days a Year
Daria Dawson, the first Black person to serve as Executive Director of America Votes, broke down the massive coalition effort underway across Georgia and nationwide. Coordinating with more than 400 partner organizations, America Votes has built a year-round ground game focused on direct voter contact.
In Georgia alone, the coalition has already engaged more than 400,000 voters, knocked on over a million doors, and placed more than a million phone calls to ensure communities know their rights, their polling options, and who is on the ballot. Nationally, the organization is active in 27 states, closing in on nearly 20 million door knocks and over four million direct voter conversations this cycle.
Dawson stressed that true civic engagement extends far beyond high-profile presidential contests:
“Elections happen every year... but the year-round engagement has to happen so that we have the pulse of the community,” Dawson explained. “Whether or not you vote for somebody, they still represent you. You are still their constituent, you hold them accountable, you show up, and you call them out if they are not representing you well. Elections are just one step in the process.”
Dawson also highlighted the historic significance of Georgia’s statewide slate, where multiple Black women are competing for top constitutional offices, including Keisha Lance Bottoms for Governor, alongside candidates for Attorney General and Secretary of State.
No Holds Barred: Claudia Jordan Connects Policy to Everyday Reality
Bringing her signature unapologetic style to the airwaves, Claudia Jordan spoke directly to listeners who might feel cynical or tempted to sit out the election. Jordan connected legislative decisions directly to household economics, reproductive healthcare, judicial appointments, and community development.
“When you look at your property tax bill, someone decided that. When you look at abortion bans, someone decided that,” Jordan stated, pointing out that indifference at the ballot box surrenders decision-making power to politicians who often work against working families.
Injecting sharp humor into a serious call to action, Jordan even proposed a viral "strike" against men who refuse to engage civically or vote to protect women’s fundamental rights, sparking laughter across the studio while driving home a critical truth: civic participation is personal, and everyone has a stake in the outcome.
“I just need y’all to care,” Jordan urged. “We look at our brothers as leaders and as kings. You do have a voice, and I want you to know that you matter. If voting wasn’t so important, they wouldn’t be working so hard to take it away from you.”
Voting Deadlines: Make Your Plan Immediately
Dawson and Dr. Dee reminded listeners across the Peach State that advance in-person voting is about to conclude.
- Early Voting Ends Tomorrow: Friday, October 30th is the final day to cast an advance ballot in Georgia. Polling places will not be open for advance voting over the weekend.
- Election Day: Wednesday, November 3rd is Election Day. Voters who do not cast an early ballot must report to their assigned neighborhood precinct between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
Georgians are urged to verify their voter status, check sample ballots, confirm their precinct locations, and mobilize friends, family, and neighbors to ensure maximum turnout at the polls.
Tune In Weekdays
Stay connected to community conversations, election analysis, and local news by tuning into the Wake Up With Dee Morning Show, hosted by Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, broadcasting Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on News & Talk WAOK and streaming live nationwide on the AUDACY app.
With early voting in Georgia ending tomorrow, the voting rights coalition sounded the alarm on down-ballot power, year-round accountability, and why staying home is not an option.
With early voting in Georgia ending tomorrow, the voting rights coalition sounded the alarm on down-ballot power, year-round accountability, and why staying home is not an option.
