TAMPA, Fla. — On Sunday morning, Allen Temple AME Church held a family and friends day for their back-to-school bash. The church donated shoes to people in need, but they also used the event to raise awareness about the importance of voting.
The church, along with groups from across the state, said they are working to get more people to the polls ahead of the August primary.
“We want people to be aware of who's on the ballot, what's on the ballot, and how important it is for them to go out and vote,” Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Glenn Dames Jr said.
This comes on the heels of Florida's recent redistricting map, which some critics said hurts black voters.
“You might set out to vote, and find out that that is not your precinct anymore. That is not your polling in place," Janette Spencer-Davis said, a long-time member of the church.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis argued this is a matter of constitutionality.
"We are not going to have a 200-mile gerrymander that divvies up people based upon the color of their skin. That is wrong. That is not the way we've governed in the state of Florida,” he said.
Organizers at Allen Temple said the event was also emphasizing to people how important it is to exercise their constitutional right to vote
"Not just vote for the same old folks that you know their names, and you've been voting the same way, but to be an informed voter. Vote for people who really care about our democracy and our people," Spencer-Davis said.
The deadline to register for the primary election was July 25. The Florida primary election is on Aug. 23, we have a complete guide to everything you need to know here.