Canton Mayor William Sherer and Councilwoman Chris Smith speaking with youth who attended the press conference at the invitation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
CANTON, OH — Leaders from across Canton, Ohio, and West Virginia gathered Thursday at the Edward “Peel” Coleman Community Center as Omega Psi Phi Fraternity launched a renewed push for voter registration ahead of the upcoming primary and general elections.
Skylar Parks speaking at press conference in Canton OH on April 16, 2026.
The event was part of the fraternity’s Fourth District voter initiative, which spans Ohio and West Virginia. Kappa Tau Chapter Basileus (Canton President) Skyler Parks opened the program by recognizing members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the broader Divine Nine for their support. “We appreciate our AKA sisters for standing with us today in this important civic effort,” Parks said.
Canton Ward 4 Councilwoman Chris Smith emphasized the urgency of voter registration, noting that Canton has a population of nearly 70,000, while Stark County has approximately 250,000 registered voters. “You already know what we’re here for — we’re here to get out the vote,” she said. “If you’re not registered, we’re here to show you how, where to go, and what you need to do.”
We have to educate our community… If someone moves, they have to re-register.
Canton Mayor William Sherer stressed the importance of education and accessibility. “We have to educate our community,” Sherer said. “Even if someone moves, they have to re-register. It’s critical that everyone turns out to vote, especially in today’s climate.”
James “J.T.” Thomas, Omega’s Fourth District Representative, described civic engagement as a duty. “This is not simply an initiative — it is a responsibility,” Thomas said. “We are taking this message to the streets, to barbershops, churches, and kitchen tables across our communities.”
Eric Payne and Ben Holbert lead Omega Psi Phi's voter mobilization efforts for Ohio and West Virginia.
Benjamin Holbert, Voter Registration, Education, and Mobilization Chairman for the district, and former mayor of Woodmere Village, highlighted historical turnout challenges among minorities. “Our goal is to increase participation across both states,” he said. “We are committed to reaching our communities with information that matters.” His undergraduate co-chair, Eric Payne, added that too much is at stake in both the primary and general elections and urged voters to check their registration status ahead of time to avoid problems at the polls.
Holbert said the Fraternity is doing voter registration pushes for the general election in November, but they are are also educating voters on how to ask for provisional ballots in the event they are challenged at the polling booth.
Election officials advise anyone who experiences issues at the polls to request a provisional ballot to ensure their vote is counted once their eligibility is confirmed.
Omega members are also working in Cleveland with retired Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Ron Adrine and Cuyahoga County Councilwoman Meredith Turner.
As a nonprofit organization, Omega Psi Phi does not endorse candidates or take positions on political issues. The fraternity has 750 chapters worldwide, including 34 in Ohio and West Virginia. Voter Registration, Education, and Mobilization is a mandated program for members of Omega.
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