Actions

Robert Walker, 94, voted on the first day of early voting. He wants to see younger people at the polls

Posted
and last updated

PETERSBURG, Va. -- Robert M. Walker did not waste time making his voice heard this election season.

Walker, 94, voted in the 2024 Election on Friday, the first day of early voting in Petersburg and across Virginia.

“God woke me up this morning and started me on my way,” he said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to vote. "I just told my daughter on the way down here, 'I'm going to vote today. I'm 94. I might be dead when voting day comes."

Walker, who has witnessed significant changes in voting rights over his lifetime, wanted to encourage younger Virginians to value their voting rights.

UNCUT: Why 94-year-old Robert Walker cast his ballot on the first day of early voting in Virginia

“So many young people don’t know about it, and they don’t care to know,” he said, urging them to recognize the sacrifices made for the right to vote. “You don’t know what I went through to get where you are now. You’re on my shoulders.”

VA Voters guide 2024

Local News

🗳️Virginia Voter's Guide: What you need to know about the 2024 Election

Pat Hines, president of the Petersburg NAACP chapter, shared Walker’s commitment to mobilizing voters.

“When you think about the history of what happened to get the right to vote—not just for Black people but for women—it took us a long time,” Hines said.

She added that voting is not only a right but a duty that should be honored.

With a goal of increasing voter participation in Petersburg by 25 percent, Hines and the NAACP are working to inspire others like Walker.

“You can’t complain if you don’t have a part of the process,” Hines said. “If you want change, whether you support the incumbent or new candidates, you’ve got to get out here and vote.”

CBS 6 is committed to sharing community voices on this important topic. Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom.

Virginia election officials express concern about timely delivery of mail-in ballots

CBS6-News-at-4pm-and-Jennifer-Hudson-480x360.jpg

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

📱 Download CBS 6 News App
The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more.