By: Kyrah Page
On Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, Lincoln University’s College Democrats and the PA Voters Coalition hosted the annual Souls to the Polls: Election Day Block Party—an exciting event meant to get students and the community involved in voting. Election Day is a chance for young people to shape the future, and Lincoln University made sure that students felt motivated and welcomed to do just that.
The turnout was truly impressive, with over 800 students coming out to vote, supported by more than 30 organizations. Reflecting on the event, the president of the LUPA College Dems, Tamia Johnson said, “The LUPA College Dems and I are extremely proud of the success of the Souls to the Polls Marches & Election Day Block Party. With about 30 organizations supporting and over 800 students voting, we are grateful for the turnout of this event. While the election results did not work in our favor, I hope that this significant moment in time encourages students to continue or start practicing their civic duty of voting.”
The block party was the perfect mix of fun and purpose, showing students that voting can be meaningful and exciting at the same time. Lincoln went all out, with campus organizations putting on performances, food trucks, a DJ playing music, and activities like bouncy houses that added to the atmosphere. Each part of the event was designed to make voting feel special and remind students that their votes really matter.
The performances and pep rallies added an extra level of excitement, with Greek life, dance teams, and the marching band uniting to bring the crowd together. The energy was high and made the campus feel excited to come down to the ICC. As one student put it, “Seeing everyone come together for something that really matters makes you feel part of something bigger. Voting isn’t just a checkbox; it’s our voice.”
There were also tables set up with information, stickers, buttons, and details about voter registration, making sure everyone was ready to vote. This was especially helpful for students voting for the first time, who felt prepared and informed. One first-time voter shared, “It was really nice to have everything laid out for us. I learned so much, and now I feel more confident about voting because I know what’s going on and what’s at stake.”
The Souls to the Polls event was more than just a fun day—it was a powerful reminder of the difference each of us can make. The impressive turnout showed that, when we come together, we can make an impact. Lincoln University did a great job making voting feel like a celebration, showing students that Election Day can be a time for pride, unity, and purpose.
