Halloween drew many children scurrying to neighborhood doors anticipating a sweet treat. But one young activist in Kansas wasn't looking for candy, she was giving it — along with a message to vote.
Carrying a white bag full of candy and reminders to vote, nine-year-old Amaya Rankin with Wichita's NAACP Youth Council went door to door.
"I'm not here for a trick or treat," she told residents who opened their doors. "We just want to remind you to vote November 6, 2018."
Rankin says canvassing is important.
"Our voice matters and that it doesn’t have to be all adults that just tells people to vote," she said. "It can be the youth that steps up and plays their game."
LaWanda Deshazer, co-leader Youth Council, says it's important to teach young people that voting matters.
"So we are taking them out, do canvassing, we let them know they are our future and the only way to get things changed is through the vote," she said. "So we are starting them out young and get them interested."
Rankin said she didn't miss trick or treating this Halloween: She'll get her candy at the store.
Carla Eckels is director of cultural diversity and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels.To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.
