First local Souls to the Polls event set for Saturday, Oct. 24

There is a long history of churches helping mobilize voters during election season. Most notably during the Civil Rights Movement, in the wake of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, Black congregations across the country worked to get people to the polls.  

Known as Souls to the Polls, the events are organized measures that have regained notoriety during the Covid pandemic, as laws around voting have been tightened in states across the country. 

While local churches have long held their place in the local political landscape, the Laurens County Democratic Committee is organizing the area’s first official Souls to the Polls event. Set for Saturday, Oct. 24, organizers are calling on congregations to volunteer their time, and vehicles, to help get their members to the polls to cast their vote.     

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“What we’re trying to do is get people out to vote,” said Angela Williams, the party’s community involvement committee chair. “Get out and make a choice. Let your vote by your voice.”

Early voting in Georgia kicked off on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Voters get a three week, including two Saturdays, window to cast a ballot ahead of Election Day. Advance voting is held at the Laurens County Registrar’s Office on Jackson Street in downtown Dublin.

Meeting at 114 East Johnson Street at 9 a.m., Williams said her goal is to have 200 voters that day, ready to walk, drive or ride to the polls.  

All area churches are invited to participate and voters are reminded to bring their government issued photo I.D. card.

“We’re expecting the best,” Williams said. “We’re looking for a great turn out and to do this every year.”