SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Around every election, the message of civic duty and the importance of voting takes center stage. This year, residents of South Berwick, Maine, and Tuskegee, Alabama, are spreading that message together as part of a seven-year-long sister-city relationship.
Despite their geographical distance and cultural differences, these communities have found common ground in promoting; the power of voting.
David McDermott, a member of the South Berwick-Tuskegee Sister City Project, reflected on the origins of the partnership.
"About seven years ago, we formed this relationship," McDermott said. "One of our goals was to allow citizens from both communities to circumvent the historic segregation in our country and get to know each other as people."
This connection has sparked regular meetings between the two cities, allowing members to sustain meaningful conversations on race relations and shared challenges.
South Berwick is a predominantly white town, while Tuskegee is primarily Black, making this partnership a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange. As McDermott pointed out, their relationship offers a way to acknowledge history while learning from one another.
"We couldn’t rewrite history, but we recognize that Black Americans have had a very different experience from the majority white community, especially when it comes to voting, he said.
Recently, the two communities came together to discuss the significance of voting. They shared stories of the struggles many Americans, particularly Black Americans, have faced in securing the right to vote.
Rovetta Hanna, a participant in the discussion, emphasized the deep significance of this right.
"Our people fought for that right and they died for it," she said.
In an effort to extend their message beyond their own cities, the group produced a video of their discussion, aiming to inspire more Americans to vote. Lawrence Haygood, Mayor of Tuskegee, hopes that the video will help increase voter enthusiasm and awareness.
"The intent was to increase the excitement about voting, increase voter awareness and knowledge about the issues,” Haygood said.
Through these conversations, the two cities realized they shared common goals.
"Improving the quality of life for our communities, making sure our children have a bright future — we understand each other and found out we have that in common," Haygood added.
Newly joining the effort, South Berwick resident Meghan Voss is excited to help push voter turnout.
"Voting is really empowering. It’s something I do and feel good about, and I think it’s something we need to pass on to other people. It doesn’t have to be an isolated experience," she said.
Through this partnership, the residents of South Berwick and Tuskegee hope to inspire others, showing that voting is not just a right but a shared responsibility. McDermott’s final words capture the spirit of their mission: "Get out and vote. It’s what America’s about."
Click here to be taken to the group's website and watch their video on the importance of voting.