For Immediate Release
Shreveport, LA– Today, October 21, 2022, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ), along with partners will celebrate the commencement of a second early voting location in Caddo Parish at the Shreve Memorial Library- Hamilton/South Caddo Branch. This significant moment and location will be marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.
“This moment is a huge win for those in the community of Caddo,” said Ashley Shelton, CEO of PCEJ. “Since 2016, the people have been demanding a second early voting location. Early voting is one way people can show up and have their voices heard. It gives voters juggling responsibilities options on when and how they can make time to still get to the polls. In this day and age flexibility makes a difference in how people participate.”
In 2021, PCEJ along with a group of partner organizations drafted a letter to the Caddo Parish Commission letting them know there was need for an additional early voting location. Voters in Caddo Parish, especially voters of color and those living in rural areas, faced longer commutes as well as longer lines due to only having one early voting location. The request for the commission to take action and advocate to the Secretary of State for an additional site in Caddo Parish would allow more voters of color to participate in early voting.
“It feels good to finally see the work pay off in the community, especially just before the November 8th election,” said PCEJ North Louisiana Organizer, Billy Anderson. “The fight feels worth it when we can celebrate moments like this and activate more voters of color.”
Contact Information:
Marissa Hogan, Communications Associate
Email: mhogan@powercoalition.org
Phone:504-952-4287
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Power Coalition for Equity and Justice (PCEJ) is dedicated to supporting and coordinating civic and voter engagement across Louisiana. We are guided by values of justice and racial equity and work with our partners to build an integrated civic engagement strategy that amplifies the voices of those who have historically been ignored, and organize them into a unified movement. PCEJ focuses on building power in traditionally marginalized communities, particularly Black and Brown communities, by equipping people with the knowledge and information they need to find their voice and learn where and when to use it.