SECU Partners with N.C. State Board of Elections to Promote Citizens Awareness Month

RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) has teamed with the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) to promote Citizens Awareness Month, a campaign that provides opportunities for N.C. Citizens to register to vote or update their names and addresses if needed, and to publicize upcoming elections.  Throughout the month of September, all SECU branches statewide have available a supply of voter registration applications.  Members can pick up an application at their local branch and at their convenience, complete the form and send it to their local Board of Elections office for processing.

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In the coming months, dozens of municipalities across North Carolina will conduct elections for city and town officials.  The elections are extremely important, but voter turnout is typically very low, primarily due to lack of awareness that an election is taking place.  By partnering with NCSBE, the Credit Union provides another 238 locations where voter registration applications can be obtained.  To further increase awareness of the campaign and the importance of voter registration, SECU also published articles in its August Grassroots member newsletter and its September Money Matterz member newsletter for teens.  

Leigh Brady, SECU Senior Vice President of Education Services states, "SECU is proud to join with NCSBE to encourage voter registration and participation in the election process.  Every North Carolina citizen who is eligible to vote should exercise his or her right to do so, but in order to be eligible, you must be registered.  By providing applications in SECU branches, we hope to make the process of voter registration even more convenient for our members."

Veronica Degraffenreid with NCSBE adds, "Our partnership with SECU provides an incredible opportunity to continue our reach into North Carolina communities to ensure that citizens of this State have every opportunity to register to vote and update their voter information in a timely manner.  NCSBE is grateful that local SECU branches have made voter registration forms available during this year's Citizens Awareness Month and have also encouraged youth to preregister or register to vote.  Since voter turnout is low during municipal election years, the additional exposure that SECU is providing regarding upcoming elections is extremely valuable for the elections process."

About SECU

SECU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members. SECU has been providing the employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 70 years. Currently serving nearly 1.7 million members, SECU provides services through 238 branch offices, almost 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Contact Centers and a website, www.ncsecu.org.

SOURCE State Employees' Credit Union