NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Pasco County resident James Adamiak felt it was time to get his soul to the polls Sunday afternoon.
“It’s so important to vote,” he said, “especially for young people, disadvantaged people. People in our community should make their voices be heard.”
What You Need To Know
- Church leaders are pushing the importance of voting with 'Souls to the Polls'
- The effort is rooted in civil rights era demonstrations aimed at empowering Black voters
- Organizers say regardless of a person's political preference they want everyone to take the midterm election seriously
Getting as many voices heard on Election Day is the push behind 'Souls to the Polls.' It’s a voting initiative with a time honored tradition of encouraging African Americans out to vote.
Organized locally by the group Faith in Florida, officials say they are expanding that effort to include any and every voter.
“I hope to accomplish today that people that come here to eat today are full of good food in their bellies and inspired to get out the vote”, said Faith in Florida representative Marlo Jones, “and call on 10 people they know and tell them that the election is on November 8th of 2022 and it’s so important and imperative that we vote not only here in Pasco County but across the United States.”
For James, one of his main reasons to cast his ballot is the race for state attorney.
“In Pinellas and Pasco Counties there are more juveniles charged as adults than any other county,” he said, “so being able to vote for state attorney is really important.”
Within a few minutes, James was in the polling place, voting and on his way back home, secure in the knowledge that he’s done his part to make a difference.
'Souls to the Polls' is part of a 33 county effort through south, central and north Florida to get people out to vote.