Jesse Scheckner
Religious nonprofit Faith in Florida is making its final drive this election cycle to activate minority voters through events now underway in Miami-Dade County and St. Petersburg.
The Orlando-headquartered group is holding two “Souls to the Polls” events on Tuesday — Election Day — from 12-5 p.m.
One is at New Generation Missionary Baptist Church in the Miami-Dade city of Opa-locka, 940 Caliph St.
The other is a block party with live entertainment and food at William Park in St. Petersburg, 350 Second Ave.
“This is our last push,” Rev. Rhonda Thomas, executive director of Faith in Florida, told Florida Politics. “Knowing that we normally draw such a large voting audience, we’re praying this last pitch will get all registered voters out to vote.”
The two events cap a series the organization has hosted in November to encourage the participation of Black voters, who overwhelmingly lean Democratic, and other members of other minority groups prone to under-participation at the polls.
They’re also meant to boost confidence among Florida’s roughly 1.5 million ex-convicts who had their voting rights restored through a 2018 constitutional amendment but may still be reluctant to exercise that right for fear of arrest.
At least in part, that fear stems from the August arrest of 20 felons who illegally casted ballots in the 2020 election. Several claimed they had been given the OK from election officials and were unaware they could not vote if they’d been convicted of murder or felony sexual assault.
Thomas, who has organized “Souls to the Polls” for more than a decade, said Faith in Florida has arrangements to help.
“We know there have been some fear tactics set up (to deter participation by) our returning citizens, but we want to reassure them that we have things in place,” said Thomas, who has organized “Souls to the Polls” for more than a decade.
“If they are arrested (for voting), we have allies who are working to make sure they’re bailed out.”
7 comments
Pastor Sandell
November 8, 2022 at 2:19 pm
If you vote GOP then you have no soul. Just a Satanic shill for Orange Hitler and the billionaires. Fake Christians, fake patriots, stupid people. Vote GOP and you will burn in hell 🔥
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Teben Pyles
November 8, 2022 at 2:26 pm
Today I voted for Charlie Christ in memory and tribute to my fallen friend, Robert “Bobby” Conner who died of Covid-19 in August of 2021 in Bostwick, Florida.
Bobby was a good guy, but he believed the lies coming from DeSantis and the rest of the far right. He was a victim of right wing propaganda and refused to get vaccinated. He died in the ICU full of regret, and left a lot of broken hearts behind.
DeSantis is a murderer, and Bobby would want him to pay for his crimes.
Joe Corsin
November 8, 2022 at 2:46 pm
I contacted Ashli Babbitt on the Ouija board. She said to vote for Charlie Crist. Ashli Babbitt also died because of evil far right lies. Also thousands put behind bars because of Trump snake oil and Ron DeSanctimonious malfeasance and propaganda.
Brandon
November 8, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Must be a slow news day to write about something that will make ZERO difference to any outcome. It is way past time to steam roll the Democrat Party here in Florida and make them impotent politically.
Elliott Offen
November 8, 2022 at 4:02 pm
Trump is politically impotent and radioactive waste. Enjoy your neo nazi grifter state and all the obstruction and sabotage of government that the GOP does in Congress… because there will seldom be a Republican president ever again.
Haywood Jablowme
November 8, 2022 at 4:15 pm
Lol, drink urine and pound sand. Senate = Red. House = Red. President = lame duck.
Trump 2024 or DeSantis 2024. We don’t care as long as the D’s are out. All hail the Red Wave.
Lastly, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA.
Crist made history by losing for 3 different political parties. Bunch of trash democratic candidates.
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