Working For Votes

- Greg Lacour

DELORES JOHNSON HURT, 71, is the second African American president of the League of Women Voters Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the local chapter of the venerable nonpartisan civic and voter advocacy organization. She’s a pioneer in other ways, as well, having enrolled at Winthrop University in 1964 as one of its first black students. Since her election as LWV president in May 2016, she’s tried to raise the group’s public proœ le and counter the increasing barriers to voting, such as North Carolina’s voter ID law, gerrymandered districts, and the old nemesis of voter apathy. We asked her about the League’s plans and challenges this election season. Responses have been edited for clarity and space. —Greg Lacour

CHARLOTTE MAGAZINE: What’s the League’s plan for the general election?