The Anson County Democratic Party discussed ways Thursday to increase voter turnout during the November election.

The party plans to set up a booth at People Fest.

"My purpose for the booth is to get people out to vote," Chairwoman Vancine Sturdivant said.

She said pastors should also be told to encourage their congregations to go vote.

"If you want jobs to come to Anson County, get out and vote," she said.

The party leadership also addressed concerns that they had taken sides in the race for the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate. One candidate, Cal Cunningham, appeared the morning of June 19 at The Hub in Wadesboro.

Lonnie Baucom said he had received calls asking if the local party was favoring one candidate over the other.

Anna Baucom said she wanted to make opportunities available to the other candidate, North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.

"Where I am is 'anybody but [Senator] Richard Burr'," she said.

Sturdivant said she had invited Marshall to speak several times.

Sturdivant asked Anna Baucom to explain the relationship the Board of Commissioners has with the Board of Elections to those in attendance.

Anna Baucom said the Commission funds the Board of Elections but has no hands-on authority.

"You don't want a bunch of elected officials meddling in your elections," she said.

"All the Board of Commissioners do is pay [the Board of Elections]," Sturdivant said.

The next party meeting will be July 15 at 6 p.m. in the Hampton B. Allen Library.