By Kevin Aldridge
The Cincinnati Enquirer

AVONDALE - The Cincinnati NAACP wants to register more than 4,000 African-American voters by April 30 as part of an empowerment campaign.

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NAACP officials said Monday that they would pay a stipend of $2 for every valid registration, including new registrations and address or name changes.

The money would come from the NAACP's National Voter Fund.

"The stakes are too high (in the November 2004 election) to sit back and allow the chips to fall where they may," said Dr. Calvert Smith, president of the Cincinnati chapter. "Our real power is at the polls."

The NAACP is encouraging churches, businesses, community councils and other social and civil rights organizations to join the registration effort.

A year ago, the NAACP unveiled an aggressive two-year plan to register more black voters, educate them and get them to the polls.

African-Americans make up roughly 43 percent of the city's 331,285 residents.

The NAACP has targeted its campaign at Avondale, Bond Hill, Over-the-Rhine, the West End, Walnut Hills, Evanston, Northside, Winton Terrace, Roselawn and Madisonville - all areas with a history of low voter turnout.

Information

Voter registration applications can be picked up at and returned to the NAACP's Reading Road offices in Avondale. For more information: 281-1900.