DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — In a season where so much attention is paid to politicians, 11Alive's Sunday politics show The Georgia Vote is working to make sure voters -- and their concerns -- are at the center of the conversation.
Georgia voters will have a big decision to make in November and despite what some national polls might suggest, no two voters are alike. One voter shares what he's taking into consideration for the November election.
Meet Anton Elwood, senior pastor at Saint Philip AME Church
Rev. Dr. Anton Elwood leads the congregation at Saint Philip AME Church in DeKalb County.
"It is an amazing intergenerational gathering of individuals," said the pastor in describing his church community.
In his view, one of his biggest jobs is to act as a connector.
"The task of the pastor and the preacher is to try to administer to all levels and all layers of each individual in each generation," said Elwood. "Which can be a task."
A task he said he cherishes.
"I love to see people leave out with a smile, with joy, knowing that they have come and almost stopped at a refill place to make it through the rest of their week," said the pastor.
Issues he cares about
The economy
Elwood said the state of the economy is one of the biggest issues that will influence his vote in November.
"I don't think you can avoid the economy," said Elwood. "I don't think you can avoid inflation. I think these are the big hot items at this time. When the prices on everything is astronomical. A trip to the grocery store could cost you hundreds of dollars. That there are still seniors in the community that are choosing between prescription medication and food to eat in their refrigerators."
Crime
The pastor said how candidates address crime will also play a major part in how he decides to cast his ballot.
"I think gun laws, I think gun violence in the community is a crisis," said Elwood. "In order for us to adequately deal with what's going on and happening in our communities, I think it's important that we pay close attention to what each candidate has to say about gun violence."
Elwood's thoughts on the 2024 election season:
The pastor said he worries about turnout at the polls -- and whether years of contentious politics will leave some with "voter fatigue."
"These last few election cycles have been rough," he said. "They've been rough on the individuals. It's been rough to watch the sparring on the news, the back and forths, the ups and downs -- all of the issues that the community and the country is facing now. So I'm a bit concerned about the voter themselves."
Elwood said he sees that "voter fatigue" particularly among younger potential voters -- but he's hopeful they'll continue to engage with the political process.
"I'm really optimistic in believing that we will understand our power, our voice, the magnitude of what we have in our possession," said Elwood. "We are our best natural resource."
Watch our Voice of the Voter segment during The Georgia Vote Sundays at 11 a.m. on WXIA.
