Duplin County NAACP partners with local churches to provide voter transportation and meals during Souls to the Polls event

Local churches partnered with the Duplin County NAACP to provide transportation to voters during the Souls to the Polls event on Saturday. The initiative, which took place at New First Baptist Church of Kenansville, aimed to ensure safe and accessible voting for all community members.

Partners from across the county joined the NAACP to support the event. Chiquitta Lesene of Shackle Free Community Outreach and Pastor Dawn Branch of The Shepherd’s Branch Ministry were among those involved. Their participation highlighted the collaboration between faith-based organizations and civil rights groups in promoting civic engagement.

Duplin County NAACP Political Action Chair Jessie Jarmon addressed the crowd, explaining the significance of the three amendments on the ballot. The Souls to the Polls event, a nonpartisan and faith-based effort, has been a part of Duplin County’s efforts for years. It involves caravans, carpools, and group marches to help voters reach polling locations.

The initiative originated from the African American Church and civil rights activists, who sought to ensure safe access to the polls for people of color. Historical barriers such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and voter suppression made such efforts essential. Although the phrase “Souls to the Polls” was not coined until the 1990s, the practice dates back to the Civil Rights Movement.

The Duplin County NAACP has taken a leading role in driving the Souls to the Polls initiative. Voting rights remain a key focus for the organization, and the local chapter has been active in this effort for a long time. Despite the event’s unexpected turnout, organizers expressed satisfaction with the level of participation.

The day began with the NAACP providing breakfast for morning voters. Members stationed at polling locations informed voters about the free meal available at the church next door. Around lunchtime, the Souls to the Polls program officially started, with organizers welcoming attendees and emphasizing the importance of voting as a civic duty.

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