Preliminary data suggests a nearly 40% drop in Black voter turnout statewide compared to previous elections, highlighting challenges for Democrats in energizing this key voting bloc. Critics like Lewis argue that sidelining Black voters fosters apathy and disengagement. She hopes the 2024 results serve as a wake-up call for party leaders to reassess their strategies, prioritizing year-round engagement rather than election-focused outreach.
Kromer acknowledged the need for reflection but warned against intra-party blame. “What we’ve seen from the national results is that the party has a lot of work to do to connect with voters and to ensure that our candidates can win up and down the ballot,” he said, reiterating the party’s commitment to increasing turnout across Mecklenburg County.
As the party awaits comprehensive voter data to evaluate its 2024 performance, calls for greater inclusion and strategic change continue to resonate among grassroots organizers.