"Party at the Polls" in Dallas encourages voter turnout
DALLAS — It was a party at the polls in Dallas on Saturday.
"This is about voting as a tribe," said Ruben Lael, president-elect of the Dallas Fort Worth Urban League Young Professionals.
With live music, food and community, organizations across Dallas joined together outside the For Oak Cliff Community Center to push voters of all ages to get out and vote.
"We need our voices heard. Basically, we don't want to sit back and complain when we didn't do something about it," said voter Anthony McDowell.
Voters didn't have to go far. The For Oak Cliff Community Center, a designated polling place, was just a few steps away from all the fun.
"The communities that we focus on, young Black and Brown communities, we want to encourage them to come out and vote. We want them to know how important it is that they make sure their votes are heard and their votes are respected," said Christopher Walton of the Hip Hop Caucus.
The Dallas County Commissioners Court voted to extend early voting hours to make it easier for voters to get to the polls.
"I can think of no greater concern that this court should have than to make sure that people have the right to vote and the moment to accomplish that task," said Commissioner Andrew Sommerman. "The greatest and most important politician in any election is the voter."
In Dallas County, polls will stay open two hours later until 9 p.m. on the last three days of early voting — Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday — instead of closing at 7 p.m. It's a decision welcomed by many working voters.
"If they say, 'Well, I can't make it,' well, we got two more extra hours," said voter Anthony Marshall.