WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A North Carolina non-profit organization is encouraging Black voters to hit the polls.

The Winston-Salem Urban League is helping those in the community through the voting process. The new effort is called 'Reclaim the Vote.'

The CEO says the goal is to get as many people to the polls as possible and make their voices heard.

“When you look at all the opportunities, all the programs we see in our communities, they are decided by elected officials," said James Perry. "If we don’t pick the right officials, if we don’t push the right issues, frankly there isn’t a significant investment happening in African American communities.”

Black voters are among the least likely to vote by mail nationally.

According to the U.S. Census in 2018, only 11 percent of African American voters cast their ballots by mail compared with 24 percent of white voters.

One voter says mail-in voting shouldn't be the concern, but instead not voting at all. 

“Now that we're coming to understand the system that we are inheriting and also understating that we are becoming those leaders who will be leading the system," said Abrea Armstrong. "It is more important than ever that we get involved.”

The Winston-Salem Urban League is partnering with Lyft to transport people to the polls for free. For more information visit the organization's website.