Michelle Obama is partnering with NBA star LeBron James and other prominent black athletes and entertainers to sponsor events in major U.S. cities starting next week to generate excitement about voting early for the Nov. 3 election, AP reports.
Mrs. Obama’s When We All Vote and James’ More Than A Vote are providing food, protective gear, free legal advice and rides to the polls for people voting early at sites around the country Oct. 18-31.
“Millions of Americans have already cast their ballot and with only 21 days until Election Day. Making your plan to vote early is critical,” Mrs. Obama said Tuesday in a statement to The Associated Press. “It’s now up to us to do everything in our power to get our friends and family ready to vote early and safely together. We can’t leave anyone behind.”
The former first lady’s group announced more than $1 million in grants and supplies to local partner organizations to host their own activities.
Last week, Mrs. Obama endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden in a somber video message that was sharply critical of Republican President Donald Trump.
Cities being targeted include Philadelphia, Atlanta, Detroit, Milwaukee and Charlotte, N.C., among others. They will be held within walking distance of early voting sites and include free food from the nonprofit World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, DoorDash and other providers.
Music, professional DJs, celebrity appearances, and support for voters’ rights from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law and the Election Protection coalition will also be provided. Ride-hailing firm Lyft Inc will offer discounted rides to early voting sites.
When We All Vote also plans to host a virtual couch party on Oct. 23.
Other partners in the effort include BET, Comedy Central, Johnson & Johnson, MTV, the National Urban League, Radio One and United Way Worldwide.
All those attending the event will be adhering to social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.