Sunday is a day of worship but this weekend, it was also a day of voting -- and on Sunday, thousands of African-American clergy members helped make sure their church members headed to the polls.
Faith in Florida joined People Improving Communities Through Organizing (PICO) National Network and the Democratic Party for “Souls to the Polls” events to get African-American voters to the polls before early voting wrapped up.
All around the state, thousands of people flocked to their local polling places to cast their ballots, with lines wrapping around the block in many locations.
Participating denominations in the Faith in Florida “Souls to the Polls” events included the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Church of God in Christ and Missionary Baptist.
The clergy had several hot-button issues it promoted for its members in early voting.
“We’re raising our voices this election to end mass incarceration, keep immigrant families together, and raise wages and benefits for working people,” wrote Faith in Florida. “Florida Souls to the Poll is a unified way to ensure that voters across state participate in this year's election.”
Multiple events were held throughout the state, from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce and Tampa. The events included speeches from state representatives, city commissioners, local pastors and school board members from around the state. Many of the “Souls to the Polls” events also included performances by gospel artists and rallies with local mayors.
For the last two weeks, black clergy members have been trying to make their final push to get voters to the ballots after their church services wrap up on Sunday.
Sunday marked the end of early voting for many counties in Florida. Over 6.1 million Floridians had cast their votes as of Sunday morning -- nearly half of the total of the state’s registered voters.
In 2008 and 2012, black voters went to the polls in droves to vote for Barack Obama, but despite overall turnout being higher this year than previous years, black voting is still down significantly.
Experts point to an enthusiasm gap compared to previous election cycles since Obama was the first black president to be on the ballot.
Even Obama has recognized the harsh reality of lower black turnout rates in 2016.
“The African-American vote right now is not as solid as it needs to be,” Obama told radio host Tom Joyner this week.
As of Sunday, black voters accounted for around 13 percent of the vote.
Election Day is Tuesday.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
