Sunday voting event features food, music and centers black voters

Food, music and games were just one part of a voting event in Fort Myers on Sunday.

“Get Out The Vote” sponsored the “Souls to the Polls” event, with free food, VIP appearances and live music. The event was from noon to 3 p.m. at the STARZ Complex, 2980 Edison Ave.

“Just vote! Vote, vote, vote!” Gwen Bates, who has already voted.

This is what “Souls to the Polls” is all about, getting people to vote. “In fact my first registration in 65 when they passed the amendment, I was in college protesting then,” said Gerri Ware, who protested for voting rights in the 1960s.

Now, she is showing first-time voters how important it is to make their voices heard. “Vote, it’ll make a change and a difference,” said Nicholas Medina who is one of the first time voters Ware is trying to reach.

“Souls to the Polls”  events are happening across Florida as a way to energize and motivate black voters.

“Black vote matters. We just need to realize our worth,” said Ebony Donegan, a SWFL business owner. “It affects everyone, so your vote does matter. We need to have the young people out there voting.”

Their main goal is to get more black voters to the polls this year than in 2016. “Definitely want people to vote, whether it’s red or it’s blue. We want you to get out there,” Donegan said.

Mayoral candidate Jacquelyn McMiller has hosted the event along with the Lee County Democratic Black Caucus.