Voters: Go to the polls, make it happen

St. Paul AME Church Pastor Ron Rawls and First Baptist Church Pastor Michael McConnell organized a motorcade, complete with charter bus and motorcycle escort, to bring voters to the St Johns County Elections Office to cast early ballots after church services this morning. Historic City News editor, Michael Gold, was invited to accompany the voters.

A group of Florida clergy is urging African-American and Latino voters to educate themselves on issues and candidates for political office; and then, to vote early by participating in statewide “Souls to the Polls” events.

Motorcycle escort was provided by members of Ancient City Riders, Click Tight Rydaz, Buck 50 Boyz, Off Limits Lady Riders, and Ladies on 2Z.

Members of Alpha-Phi-Alpha Fraternity helped sponsor the event, according to its president, John Huger. About sixty passengers, including Gold and members from both local St Augustine churches, made the bus ride. Huger introduced fraternity brothers Thomas Jackson, James Colbert, Gene Motley and Shawn Collins who also participated.

In addition to the local effort, Faith in Florida leaders held a gospel concert and rally at Hungerford Academy in Eatonville, near Orlando. Also scheduled were activities in Tallahassee, Cutler Bay, Belle Glades, Lauderhill, and Daytona Beach.

Both Pastors Rawls and McConnell have worked with a local group, “300 Concerned Citizens”, to obtain pledges from a force of 300 voters in the black community. Their purpose is to unify support behind two candidates who they say best recognize their needs. Among other examples, Rawls pointed out the lack of diversity on appointed city boards, the city commission, the St Augustine Police Department, and the St Augustine Fire Department; despite the fact that about 15% of voters in the city are black.

Last week, Rawls addressed the city’s visioning panel and pointed out that not one black man or woman is participating on the appointed board. Despite apparent pandering by Visioning Zombie, Commissioner Roxanne Horvath, including a “commitment to diversity” in an enumerated list of priorities; just this Friday, the city announced creation of yet another all Caucasian panel — the Town and Gown Task Force. The appointed members represent Flagler College, city government, and the St Augustine community and neighborhoods.

Rawls says the ballot box is a great equalizer. He explained to Gold the importance of diversity and that change must come from within government. The pastor says there is nothing gained by sitting outside and complaining.

One goal of the 300 Concerned Citizens volunteer group is to amplify their vote. They interviewed candidates for election and re-election and found a “super-majority” of voter support in two city elections. Over 75% identified a need for a new mayor. They are supporting and recommend Nancy Shaver for mayor of the City of St Augustine. Likewise, more than 75% believe that John Valdes is the best representative for their causes and most likely to become proactive if elected. So, rather than wasting 25% of their votes on other candidates, participants pledge 100% will vote to elect Shaver and Valdes.

Historic City News interviewed a number of riders on the bus and found that, without exception, they understood and support the idea of unifying their vote. Residents like Pamelo Prince, Alice Long-Owens, and Twila Hudson, all heard about today’s event through Pastor Rawls and agree that “there is strength in unity”. Audrey Jernigan also agreed, saying she felt like her vote is really part of something happening in St Augustine that is extremely important.

Church members James Colbert, who is one of the Alpha-Phi-Alpha representatives, Kenneth McLain, who video recorded the group as they chanted “Go to the polls, Make it happen”, and Robert Nimmons who is active in the West Augustine CRA and other initiatives in the city, told Gold that focusing the vote of 300 citizens can swing the outcome of an election.

There is one more week of early voting, and then the General Election is held on Tuesday, November 4th. You may vote early at the polling location of your choice, or by absentee ballot. If you wait until Election Day, you have to vote at your assigned precinct.