The Louisiana National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is sponsoring a voter education and registration drive this summer to emphasize the importance of voting.

"In the 2007 governor's election, 54 percent of the registered voters did not participate," said Scott A. Lewis III of Baton Rouge, whose firm is spearheading the effort. "This confirms that voter education is something that is needed. In addition to educating those 54 percent, we also aim to motivate another 150,000 to register in order to understand the process."

"During our upcoming summer events, we will be making efforts to educate all Louisiana voters abut important facets of the state and nation, help motivate ex-felons to reclaim their voting rights, and raise awareness in communities with traditionally low voter participation.

Lewis also is aiming to sign up 35,000 new members in the NAACP. Further information is available from the NAACP at www.naacplouisiana.com/home.html.

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