Rep. Bishop Headlines GABEO Conference in Macon

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Each election, millions in the U.S. choose not to vote.

Saturday afternoon, one U.S. Congressman delivered a message in Macon that hopes to change that.

Sanford Bishop’s (D-Ga., 2nd District)  message is: you can’t help change public policy–unless you vote.

“The policies that you want and you need that are good for our community,” said Bishop.

“(It’s) good for growth good for jobs, (and it’s a) good opportunity for youngsters to be able to reach their full potential,” said Bishop.

And when you vote, you get a say in who represents your interests.

“All of those come as a result of some public policies made by elected officials,” said Bishop.

The Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials, or GABEO, held its annual conference Saturday.

Keynote speaker U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop spoke to the crowd of about 100 people about the importance of voting.

“They simply need to remember one thing–and that’s the vote,” said Bishop.

He said the GABEO conference “really gives the resources necessary to recharge.”

GABEO president Tyrone Brooks says GABEO helps bring unity among voters.

“We’re trying to energize our people to get involved in the political process,” said Brooks.

He echoed Congressman Bishop’s message.

“Even, you know, getting a broadcast license to broadcast on TV or radio–the FCC. Everything connects to voting. And that’s what he’s trying to say,” said Brooks.

Brooks hopes officials will pass that message on to their constituents across the state and the nation.

“Voting in every election–to impact governor’s races, US Senate, Congress, local elections like Macon-Bibb, Atlanta, you know, all across this state, ” said Brooks.

And voting is how it starts.

Bishop said public officials have a duty to serve the public in the best way possible.

The information GABEO provides allows officials to help constituents improve their quality of life.