Interfaith organization encourages “Souls to the Polls,” making voices heard in Richmond
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Saturday, Nov. 1 marked the last day of early voting in the Commonwealth with over 1.3 million people having already cast their ballot ahead of Election Day.
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) and Bridging The Gap In Virginia are among those working to ensure voters can make their voices heard through Saturday's "Interfaith Souls to the Polls" event.
"If you look at what's going on in our society, some people are discouraged. They don't feel encouraged to come out and vote, but we're telling you that your vote does matter," said VICPP Civic Engagement Coordinator Robert Lester.
VICPP states that it is calling on all Virginians to take a stand on the issues affecting them by casting a vote.
On Saturday morning, hundreds of voters made their way to the ballot box at the Hickory Hill Community Center. After putting in a ballot, the social justice organization offered a free meal with partnering Traditionz food truck from Petersburg and an opportunity to gather.
"Failure to vote is basically you're saying, 'I'll let somebody else vote for me.' You want to be able to put your voice into these issues that are affecting us," Lester added.
Free rides to the polls may be a possibility according to Richard Walker from Bridging The Gap In Virginia. If transportation is an issue Walker says to contact him at (804) 248-6756.
The former convicted felon who has since had his voting rights restored, wants to help others in his shoes to reintegrate into society.
"They're part of the reason why I do what I do in order to help them to understand the purpose of voting," Walker said.
If you are registered the vote, the next date to do so is Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Have your I.D. handy before heading to your polling location, however, you can still vote if you forget it.
