As early voting wraps up ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, organizations across the Tampa Bay area came together for “Souls to the Polls,” a voter engagement event that combines civic participation, entertainment and community resources.
The free event aimed to encourage voter turnout and civic engagement by bringing together faith leaders, community organizations and residents.
NAACP’s Hillsborough County chapter promoted the event and offered free rides to select polling locations throughout the day.
Despite the rainy forecast on Sunday, people still showed up, according to Hillsborough NAACP President Yvette Lewis.
“People still showed up in the rain,” Lewis said. “There was a steady flow of people the whole time.”
Souls to the Polls was held at the St. Petersburg Coliseum on Fourth Avenue North from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1. The event had free community resources, live entertainment, free food, door prizes, and fun family activities. Admission and parking were free.
St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch was among numerous elected officials and candidates speaking at the event about the importance of civic engagement and participation.
National social justice advocate Tamika D. Mallory also made an appearance at 3 p.m. She is a prominent civil rights activist and influential voice in the national movement for racial and social justice, NAACP said.
Mallory spoke before the ceremonial “Stroll to the Poll” march to honor Nolan Wells, an 18-year-old who disappeared and later was found dead by drowning after an Independence Day party earlier this year.
Investigators claimed there was no foul play involved in Wells’ death, and a grand jury declined to file criminal charges. Black community leaders and activists believe the investigation into his death was racially biased. NAACP’s legal team, along with his family’s lawyer, Benjamin Crump, began an independent investigation.
Throughout the “Souls to the Polls” event, early voters could catch free rides to the C. Blythe Andrews, Jr. Public Library, West Tampa Branch Library, and Robert W. Saunders, Sr. Public Library polling locations.
“Souls to the Polls is more critical now than ever. Too many in our community feel disconnected and disenfranchised by decisions that directly impact their lives,” said Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, president and CEO of the Florida Suncoast Urban League, one of the organizations presenting the initiative.
She continued, “We must come together not only to celebrate, but to remind our community that their voices matter and their votes have power.”
Gaskin-Capehart added that the National Urban League also hosts a “Reclaim Your Vote” campaign, which calls on the community to reclaim their power and make their voices heard at the ballot box, similar to the Souls to the Polls event.
Pinellas County Democrats is expanding on the initiative’s mission, offering extended round-trip rides to multiple polling locations across the county through Election Day.
On Monday, the organization is providing assistance for returning completed mail ballots to Supervisor of Elections offices. On Tuesday, Nov. 3, rides to assigned polling places or election offices for ballot returns will be available.
You can request a ride online at PinellasDemocrats.org/Rides.
The Souls to the Polls initiative is organized by the Power of the Vote Collective, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, Urban League Florida Suncoast, Allegany Franciscan Ministries and the National Pan-Hellenic Council.