ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Just days before election day an event in St. Petersburg works to boost turnout and highlight the importance of voting.
With early voting wrapping up Monday in Pinellas County, residents in St. Pete marched voters to the polls.
“It took me 30 seconds, I did early voting, I had my ballot shipped to me a few days ago, I just filled out, walked up, and placed it in,” voter Clayton Brody said.
What’s known as Souls to the Polls is all about encouraging community members, especially black voters, to exercise their right to vote.
“I voted today it was very important because this is all about us, it is time for new beginning, it was a successful day for St. Pete strong,” voter Shavon Gonzalez said. “I feel privileged to be able to cast my ballot today, and make a difference.”
From young adults to seniors, participants say they are here to make their voices heard.
“I have been bringing people to the polls since last week, yesterday I stood there for two hours waiting for two young students to vote, so I am just excited about this election,” voter Evyan Gordon said.
In Pinellas County, the latest numbers show almost 221-thousand voters have cast a ballot by mail. Nearly 144-thousand voters went to the polls early in person. This means more than half the registered voters in the county have already cast a ballot.
“Unity is in community, and we came together in unity to make a better and stronger community,” Gonzalez said.
With the finish line in sight, organizers are hoping the energy and turnout here will motivate even more people to participate in the elections to come.
“We want everybody to understand that it is a responsibility for us to exercise their right to vote, not just this presidential election, but state, county, down to city elections all determines what happens in our lives,” CEO of Pinellas County urban league Nikki Gaskin-Capehart said.
As a reminder, voters must vote at their assigned polling location on Tuesday. However, a recent executive order allows for voters in Pinellas County to also vote at any of the three supervisor elections offices on Monday or on election day Tuesday.