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Civic Engagement

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Civic Activism

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Civic engagement is crucial in ensuring that Black and Brown communities are seen and heard! It is our life’s work to make sure that these communities “Get Out To Vote” at each election and follow through in exercising their political power between election cycles.

We’re speaking with OUR people about what freedom could and should look like. Our votes, our voices, and the push to reclaim our power brings us closer to that reality.

We invite voters from across all of Central Pennsylvania, Greater Philadelphia, and the Lehigh Valley into one-to-one conversations about their vision for their families, local communities, and the nation as a whole.

We Need Change. We Are The Change.

  • Polling Hours: Open from 7am to 8pm. As long as you are in the physical line to vote at your polling location by 8pm, you have the right to vote even if you do not end up casting your vote until after 8pm.
  • ID for First-Time Voters: In Pennsylvania, only first-time voters or those voting for the first time in a new precinct must show photo or non-photo ID. If you do not have ID, you can return later with ID or otherwise vote provisionally. Eligible voters that are denied access to the polls because of lack of ID should contact their county board of elections.
  • Voter Assistance: You have the right to have someone help you cast your ballot if a disability prevents or impairs you from operating the voting machine; a language barrier impedes your ability to understand the ballot; or you have difficulty reading and need literacy assistance.
  • No Intimidation: Voter intimidation – which is behavior that can include words or actions – is illegal. Further, it’s illegal for anyone to block or attempt to block, by any means, the entrance to the polls. Intimidating behavior should be reported immediately.

Have a voting plan

  1. First, check your voter registration, and make sure your information is up to date. 
  2. Explore your day-of voting options. Find out where you can vote in person, what voting machines are used, and what you need to bring with you on Election Day by entering your address here. 
  3. Preview your ballot, save your picks, and print a sample ballot using this Interactive Ballot Tool.. 
  4. Vote on Election Day: Polls are open on May 19 from 7am to 8pm. Find your polling place by entering your address here. 
  5. Bring what you need
    If you’re voting in person, make sure to check if you need to bring an ID. If you’re voting by mail, double-check that your ballot is signed and sealed correctly to avoid any issues.

By making a plan now, you’re ensuring that nothing stands in the way of your voice being heard. Whether you’re voting early or on May 19, your vote is a powerful tool to protect the rights and freedoms we all cherish.

We are  calling on YOU to host a Soul Food Dinner, a powerful tradition with a purpose. These dinners are more than just a meal – they’re a chance to connect with our community, share our hopes and fears, and strategize for a brighter future.

A Soul Food Dinner is more than just a meal! It’s a powerful gathering of community members coming together to:

  • Share Stories & Experiences: We’ll hear from each other about our hopes, fears, and the challenges we face in our communities.
  • Connect Across Generations: Young people and elders will share wisdom and inspire each other.
  • Learn & Discuss: We’ll delve deeper into the issues that matter most to us, from voting and politics to community building and social justice.
  • Take Action Together: We’ll strategize and plan for how we can make a difference in our communities, both now and in the future.

At a Soul Food Dinner, you’ll:

  • Enjoy a delicious meal: Savor the flavors of traditional soul food while connecting with others.
  • Participate in meaningful discussions: Share your thoughts and perspectives on important topics.
  • Learn from experienced leaders: Benefit from the guidance and wisdom of community leaders.
  • Get inspired to take action: Discover how you can make a difference in your community.

Ready to join us for a Soul Food Dinner? Sign up today and be part of a movement that’s shaping the future of our communities.

POWER Interfaith will provide a stipend to help cover the cost, training on how to facilitate the conversation, and resources needed to help you host a successful dinner that empowers your guests to take ownership of their political agency on Election Day and beyond.

No matter your experience, you can be a leader in your community. 

Ready to answer the call?

Sign Up to Host a Dinner

If you’re a Black congregation leader, here’s how you can get involved:

  1. Help us identify and recruit voter captains who will help mobilize voters and raise awareness about important issues.
  2. With our resources and support, increase civic engagement within your congregation, including voter registration drives and educational events on pressing political matters.
  3. Learn effective strategies to achieve 100% voter turnout within your congregation, so that your voices are heard at the ballot box.

Contact our Civic Engagement Team for details.

Voter Engagement Resource Center

Find your registration status

Check out the committee of Seventy’s Voter Registration Guide!

Make a Donation

POWER Interfaith is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. We are non-partisan and not aligned explicitly or implicitly with any candidate or party. We do not endorse or support candidates for office. All contributions are tax-deductible. 

You Can Help Us Get Out the Vote

Please contact ssobukwe@powerinterfaith.org to learn more about hosting a soul food dinner! You can also click here to be connected to our National Voter Registration Day website.