VSU Political Institute Seeks Data From Black Voters

The Black Voter Survey will collect views on current events and politics leading up to the 2024 General Election.

Virginia State University's John Mercer Langston Institute (JMLI) for Political Leadership is seeking help from Black voters to participate in a survey to learn more about their attitudes toward current events and today's political climate. The Institute is seeking individuals who are Black/of African descent and live in Virginia to participate in the survey.

The JMLI was established to aid in developing, empowering, and cultivating African American leadership in the Commonwealth of Virginia through innovative training, policy collection and assistance, programming, research, and networking.

This is the third time the JMLI has issued its "Black Virginia Voters Poll," which aims to learn more about the opinions and viewpoints of Black Virginia Voters during an election year.

The survey is open to all Black individuals in Virginia, regardless of their political affiliations. The JMLI hopes to reach a diverse group of participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of the community's attitudes toward current news and events and the state of politics.

"Black voters in Virginia remain a driving force in the political landscape across the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Wes Bellamy, Chair of the VSU Department of Political Science and Executive Director for the John Mercer Langston Institute for Political Leadership. “This new poll aims to not only analyze the beliefs and viewpoints of Black Virginians but also use this data to help propel those voices to demand change.”

The poll's findings will be presented at the JMLI Closing Ceremony on September 30, 2024, at the VSU Gateway Dining Event Center at 5:30 pm. Virginia Senator Louise Lucas will be a guest speaker at the event. The event is free and open to the public.