In direct response to perceived voter intimidation, some local organizations are taking literal steps to support area voters.
Souls to the Polls is a nationwide effort that usually focuses on getting Black voters to the polls, with a specific “Early Voting” mobilization set a few weeks prior to Election Day. Given the current political atmosphere, the Portage County branch of the NAACP decided to open this year’s event to anyone, regardless of race, age or political ideology.
Participants should plan to meet at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, at the United Church of Jesus Christ, 420 S. Prospect St. in Ravenna. From there, they will be safely escorted to the Board of Elections office a few blocks away. After casting their ballots, they will be escorted back to the church, where church and community leaders will offer words of encouragement.
Ravenna police will provide security at the church, along the route to and from the Board of Elections office and at the polling site itself. Rides will be available for people who are unable to walk, and free “Souls to the Polls” T-shirts will be distributed as long as supplies last.
Partnering with the NAACP are the ACLU, Kent State University’s Epsilon Mu sorority, Summit County’s Delta Sigma Theta sorority, the Kent League of Women Voters and the United Church of Jesus Christ. Community members who have reached out to the NAACP to say they will provide additional escort support will also be on hand.
Portage County’s NAACP leadership decided to open the event to all voters after community members voiced their concerns during an NAACP-sponsored community forum held Sept. 20 in Kent, NAACP Vice President Geraldine Nelson said.
That emergency meeting was in direct response to social media posts Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski made in which he encouraged his supporters to record the addresses of people with Harris signs in their yard and in which he referred to Kamala Harris in dehumanizing language.
“People feel intimidated. People are afraid to go alone,” Nelson said. “We want everyone to feel that they have the right to cast their vote without fear or intimidation.”
The nonpartisan event is open to anyone who wishes to vote in Portage County. Registration will be required on site so organizers can know who requires special accommodations, rides or other support.
“We’re coming together for the beloved community. The whole thing is to provide people with a sense of hope given the tone of what’s happening on a national platform. It goes beyond Portage County,” Nelson said.
Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.