WILMINGTON, N.C. — Thursday marked the first day of early voting in North Carolina, and while that’s already one way to make it more convenient for voters to get to the polls, organizations such as the New Hanover County NAACP are working hard to make it even easier with its "Souls to the Polls" event.
What You Need To Know
- Oct. 20 was the first day of early voting for the November general election
- Voters will have until Nov. 5 for early voting, and Election Day is Nov. 8
- The New Hanover County "Souls to the Polls" event will take place at noon Oct. 30
Brenda Fong is a chairperson on the Political Action Committee for the NHC NAACP. She works hard every year to get people to the polls. It’s something she’s passionate about — so much so, in fact, voting is her birthday wish. This year, Fong's birthday fell on the first day of early voting.
“That is my gift and my birthday present to everyone, and to encourage my friends and family to come out,” Fong said. "That is their gift to me, is early voting for my birthday.”
Although this year may not be a presidential election, she believes it’s just as important.
“We’re voting for our municipal officers, especially our school board of education, and we have commissioners for New Hanover County,” said Fong. “These are the people who make the plans for the city and make a difference in your life.”
Fong says that voting is a way to make your voice heard, even for the midterm elections. That’s why she wants as many people as possible to vote, especially in the Black community, which fought so hard for this constitutional right.
“We had a lot of people that died for this right and they still don’t want to take away the right to vote,” said Fong. “We are still gonna have to fight for the right to vote until they give it up completely and respect the idea that we are here to vote.”
She’s hoping the NAACP’s "Souls to the Polls" event this Sunday will encourage hundreds of people of all races, genders, classes and abilities to practice that right.
They’ll be marching from the church to the polls, just like Fong did Thursday when she cast her ballot.
“It feels so good being out here today and helping get out the vote and to help my community, and my family, and my friends know the importance of this vote,” said Fong. “That’s why I’m here.”
"Souls to the Polls" will take place at noon Oct. 30. Folks will gather at the St. Stephen AME church on Fifth Street and will march to the polling place at Cape Fear Community College.
Lunch will be provided after.
