Souls to the Polls
By Staff writer
“We are not the owners of creation, but its stewards, summoned by God to ‘watch over and care for it.”‘ – Genesis 2:15
The call to promote justice, compassion, and equality is one shared across many religious faiths. Engaging people of faith in the civic life of their communities helps fulfill that call— Democracy North Carolina.
House of worships and spiritual voters have always played a significant role in the process for presidential elections; this election is no exception but the Black church has a special place.
A lot of Black and Latino church leaders have been influencing their worshippers to register and vote.
Following record voter turn-outs in the 2008 election, 34 states have established legislation to limit voting. Many states have cut the early voting periods by more than half.
Because of this, many pastors have made a push to get ‘Souls to the Polls’ on the last Sunday of early voting before Election Day.
Many are providing transportation to get “souls to the polls.”
A meeting was held on Oct 15, 2012 with clergy members of Broward County, representatives of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and a city official at the New Mount Olive Baptist Church to discuss “Souls to the Poll.”
The meeting focused on galvanizing the faith-based community to get people out to vote on the first and only Sunday of early voting.
“The faith community leaders are poised and ready to join as one collective group to ensure that all registered voters get out and vote and that no one is disenfranchised during this election,” said Rev. Marcus Davidson of the New Mount Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
During the meeting logistical details were discussed and other pertinent information pertaining to make this a historic day in Broward County.
There will be a march to the polls, speakers, entertainment, but most of all voting.
The march will begin at 1 p.m. starting at New Hope Baptist Church, 1321 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (954) 463-2192, Pastor Ricky Scott, and will end at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC), 2650 Sistrunk Blvd.
Prayerfully our Black churches will be about more than saving souls during this election period.
Further details will be available in the coming days.
