NAACP Vancouver President Mark Frazier Calls for Voting Access, Youth Engagement and Community Action

At a time when many communities across the country are experiencing increased political division, Mark Frazier believes the answer is not silence, it is action. 

As president of the Vancouver chapter of the NAACP, Frazier encourages residents to become involved in civil rights work, voter education and community engagement. Speaking at the “Good Trouble Lives On” event honoring the legacy of Congressman John Lewis, Frazier reflected on the meaning of activism and the challenges still facing communities in Clark County.

For Frazier, the phrase “good trouble,” a term famously associated with Lewis, represents the importance of using one’s voice to challenge injustice. 

“Good Trouble, for me, means people using their voices to speak out against injustice,” Frazier said. “That includes participating in rallies and speaking our minds about the injustice that’s happening around us.”

Frazier said that philosophy applies locally when individuals or groups experience unfair treatment in their families, workplaces, schools or communities. “Speaking up is how we create change,” he said. 

One of the biggest civil rights issues Frazier sees facing Clark County today is voter participation and access. “I would say the biggest challenge is voter suppression and the new laws that are being proposed,” Frazier said. “We need to continue encouraging people to register and vote.”

Frazier said protecting voting rights remains one of the most important civil rights issues because many residents face barriers that prevent them from participating in elections. One concern is that some voters may not know what they’ll need in order to vote or how to navigate the voting process. 

He said some community members may lack access to documents such as birth certificates or passports, creating additional challenges. “People often don’t know what documents they need or how easy it actually is to vote,” Frazier said.

He also pointed to the need for greater voter education throughout Vancouver. While resources exist to help residents register and participate, many people are unaware of where to find assistance. 

Frazier also cited low voter turnout as another concern. Frazier said increasing voter turnout requires more community outreach, more registration events and more conversations about why voting matters.

While Frazier said he has seen some progress in racial equity efforts, he believes significant challenges remain. “I’ve seen some progress, but I believe many of the same issues still exist today that existed ten years ago,” he said. 

Through his work with the NAACP and research involving health equity and employment equity, Frazier said he continues to hear concerns from community members about unequal opportunities. 

He said African Americans in Vancouver, despite representing a smaller portion of the population, continue to report concerns related to employment opportunities, education and how they are treated in schools. “I don’t think our education around racial equity is where it needs to be,” Frazier said.

He said more work is needed in schools, particularly regarding discipline practices. “Minority students continue to receive disproportionate disciplinary actions in schools,” Frazier said. “That’s an area where we still need significant change.”

One area where Frazier has seen improvement is communication between the NAACP and local law enforcement. Since becoming involved with the organization, Frazier said he has worked to create accountability while also building relationships. 

“They [Law enforcement] reach out after officer-involved shootings or racial incidents and ask for input.” Frazier said those conversations are important because community members and law enforcement need to work together while still holding people accountable for their actions. 

Frazier said young people play a critical role in continuing the civil rights movement. His message to college students and first-time voters is simple: get involved. “Get involved in both the civil rights movement and the voting movement,” Frazier said. 

He encouraged students to volunteer at voter registration events, attend community meetings and learn how civic participation works. 

Frazier also highlighted programs offered through the NAACP, including the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics program (ACT-SO), which provides opportunities for students through academic competitions, leadership development and scholarship opportunities. He said young people often do not realize how many resources are available to them. “We have programs that help students prepare for college, earn scholarships and develop leadership skills,” Frazier said.

Frazier also believes young voters can bring important perspectives to conversations about social issues. “College students are learning about social problems and the challenges happening in our communities,” he said. “We need their voices involved.”

The Vancouver NAACP works alongside other community organizations, including the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Vancouver chapter President Daniel Estrada, to address issues affecting different communities. 

According to Frazier, strong partnerships begin with communication. “The best way organizations can work together is by attending each other’s events, communicating regularly and identifying projects where we can collaborate,” he said.

Frazier said relationships between community organizations do not happen automatically. They require intentional outreach and shared goals. 

“What gives me hope is seeing more young people getting involved and seeing more members of the community speak out against injustice,” Frazier said. “More people are recording events, speaking up and bringing attention to problems,” he said. 

Frazier emphasized that “good trouble” does not mean creating conflict or violence. Instead, it means peacefully challenging unfair systems and encouraging others to participate.

“Our voices are our greatest strength,” he said. As the Vancouver NAACP continues its work in Clark County, Frazier hopes residents of all ages recognize that they have a role in creating change. For Frazier, the legacy of John Lewis lives on every time someone chooses to speak up, participate and work toward a more equitable community.

His final message to the community is straightforward. “Get involved,” Frazier said. “Get involved in voter registration. Get involved in mentoring students. Talk to young people about voting and community involvement.” 

For more information on voting in Vancouver, NAACP Vancouver’s website hosts this page with links to official government website pages for registering to vote, upcoming elections, ballot drop boxes, and contact information for filing voter intimidation reports.