The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
The Greater Mobile (AL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is joining forces with several leading civic organizations to strengthen voter education and youth engagement ahead of the 2026 primary election. In partnership with the League of Women Voters, NAACP, Mobile United, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Bishop State Community College, the chapter will host the "Link Up the Vote" Candidate Forum on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Bishop State's Main Campus.
The free, nonpartisan forum is designed to help community members make informed decisions at the polls while elevating the voices of young people in the democratic process. Candidates in three key local races-Mobile County Sheriff and Alabama House Districts 97 and 99-have been invited to participate.
A Closer Look at the Event Schedule
5:00–5:25 p.m. - Pre‑Forum Voter Education
The evening will begin with a voter education session led by the Mobile County Probate Office. Attendees will receive guidance on what to expect at the polls, learn about key election dates, and observe demonstrations of local voting machines.
5:30–6:30 p.m. - Mobile County Sheriff's Race Forum
Candidates for Mobile County Sheriff will take part in introductions, a moderated Q&A segment, and closing statements.
6:45–8:00 p.m. - Alabama House Districts 97 & 99 Forum
Candidates for the two state legislative districts will follow a similar format, offering voters an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to represent them.
Youth at the Center of Civic Engagement
While the April 9 forum is the centerpiece, "Link Up the Vote" is part of a broader youth‑driven civic education initiative taking place throughout the spring. Local youth organizations have been working to increase voter registration and awareness among teens and young adults through social media outreach, school‑based engagement, and creative advocacy projects.
One standout effort occurred on March 14, 2026, when the Rhoer Club of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Kappa Zeta Sigma Alumnae Chapter, hosted a youth‑centered event at the USA Mitchell Center. Students participated in a Live Question Drop Box using a QR code, allowing them to submit questions for candidates in real time and encouraging active civic participation.
Another major initiative took place on March 19, 2026, at Blount High School. Members of the Mattie T. Blount Leopards Chapter of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society produced short videos promoting voter registration, attendance at the April 9 forum, and participation in the May 19 primary election. These projects highlight a growing commitment to youth‑led civic awareness and accountability advocacy.
Collectively, these efforts underscore the power and potential of young voters and the importance of equipping them with the tools to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.
Registration and Media Access
Seating for the forum is limited, and community members are encouraged to reserve free tickets and submit candidate questions through Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985793783663
Select media partners will stream the event live on their social media platforms. Those planning to stream may also submit candidate questions online:
For media inquiries, contact Aqualyn Kennedy, Chair of the "Link Up the Vote" Candidate Forum.
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