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Virginia Interfaith Center Launches “Interfaith Souls to the Polls” to Boost Early Voting in Richmond

"This program also focuses on racial equity by targeting outreach to Black congregations, addressing historical barriers to voting."

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Good stuff from the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy:

Virginia Interfaith Center Launches “Interfaith Souls to the Polls” to Boost Early Voting in Richmond

Richmond, VA – The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) is launching its “Interfaith Souls to the Polls” initiative to increase early voter turnout in Richmond on Sunday, October 27, 2024. This event will bring together congregations for a multi-vehicle caravan to three early voting sites, featuring community programming with refreshments, entertainment, and messages from local leaders.

This initiative aims to counter the recent decline in early voter participation—down 20% in 2023—and to ensure a smoother Election Day by encouraging more people to vote early. Congregations are encouraged to include voting messages in their services, emphasizing civic engagement as an essential part of their faith practice.

This program also focuses on racial equity by targeting outreach to Black congregations, addressing historical barriers to voting. “Interfaith Souls to the Polls is a way to harness the faith community’s influential presence as the catalyst for civic engagement,” said Rev. Dr. LaKeisha Cook, Co- Executive Director, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. “It’s an opportunity to harness the collective power of the community by bringing together congregations to participate in early voting as a culminating part of their Sunday morning worship experience.”

The events will take place across the three locations in Richmond from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The three locations are:

Hickory Hill Community Center: 3000 East Belt Blvd Richmond, VA 23234

Office of Elections: 2134 West Laburnum Avenue Richmond, VA 23227

City Hall: 900 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219

For further information regarding the events please contact, Robert Lester, robert@virginiainterfaithcenter.org

About Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy: Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) is a multi-faith, nonprofit, non-partisan organization with a statewide base that includes over 20,000 people of faith and good will in every legislative district in Virginia, working together with hope for and focus on a more just society.

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