Moral Monday supporters feeling sense of urgency ahead of November election
DURHAM (WTVD) -- The Moral Monday movement went on the road to Durham this week. In what the NAACP called a Moral March to the Polls, hundreds turned out at CCB Plaza in downtown Durham in a symbolic stop on their way to cast their vote in November's general election.
Leaders of the North Carolina NAACP say they have 40 organizers working in nearly 50 counties right now, going door-to-door, registering people to vote and energizing their supporters.
This is only the second Moral March to the Polls. The first was held in Winston-Salem earlier this month, on the first day a federal judge heard arguments to pose a preliminary injunction on parts of our state's Voter ID law ahead of the November election.
The U.S. Department of Justice, NAACP and other groups are pushing for the injunction in order to temporarily reinstate same-day voter registration, restore days to the early voting period, and allow once again 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote.
The judge has yet to issue a ruling in the case.
On the 65th week of Moral Monday rallies, leaders say now, more than ever, they need momentum on their side.
"Is a fight for justice relevant in the face of an escalation of racism, classism, and the dismantling of women's rights," asked Rev. Curtis Gatewood, NC NAACP. "So we are always relevant, but we stand for love."
Supporters of the Voter ID law argue it will help prevent voter fraud in North Carolina.
Beginning in 2016, all voters will be required to show photo ID when they cast their ballot at the polls.
