Columbus community organizations mobilize voters with weekend events ahead of Nov. 3 election

Saturday and Sunday activities include Stroll to the Polls, VoteFest 2026, voter education forums and expanded early voting opportunities.

With the Nov. 3 general election approaching, community organizations, churches, civic groups and voter advocacy organizations across Columbus are stepping up their get-out-the-vote efforts with a series of activities scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25.

The weekend initiatives are designed to encourage voter participation, provide election information and remind residents that their voices matter in determining the future of their communities.

From organized walks to the polls to community voter engagement events, organizers are working to remove barriers to participation and encourage eligible voters to cast their ballots before Election Day.

The Columbus Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. will host its "Stroll to the Polls" initiative at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road.

Participants are encouraged to gather on the Boxwood Boulevard side of the library, wearing their organization's colors or paraphernalia in a public demonstration of civic engagement and community solidarity.

The event is part of the sorority's continuing commitment to voter education and participation.

Saturday also marks an important opportunity for residents who cannot vote during the traditional workweek. Five early voting locations will be available in Muscogee County, including two additional sites opening Oct. 24 at Valley Healthcare, 1600 Fort Benning Road, and 7300 Blackmon Road.

Community organizations are also helping address transportation barriers. New Life Second Chance Outreach is offering free rides to early voting locations in Muscogee County on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with advance sign-up available.

On Sunday, the focus shifts to voter education, candidate engagement and community participation as VoteFest 2026 takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of the Columbus Public Library, 3000 Macon Road.

Organized by A Call to Talk, A Call to Action and community partners, the nonpartisan event is intended to bring voters and candidates together in an informal, accessible setting.

Candidates appearing on the November ballot, regardless of political affiliation, have been invited to participate.

The event will feature opportunities for voters to meet candidates, obtain election information and learn more about the responsibilities of the offices appearing on the ballot. Music and other community activities are also planned.

The event was originally scheduled for Oct. 12 before being rescheduled to Oct. 25.

Another voter engagement event, "The Other Georgia: West Georgia Vote Power Forum," is scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at St. James AME Church.

The forum will provide an opportunity for residents to question candidates, discuss community concerns and explore issues affecting families throughout West Georgia.

Featured guests include pastors B.A. Hart, Johnny Flakes and Terrell McBride, along with former state lawmaker Calvin Smyre.

The Columbus Democratic Legislative Caucus will also host "Fish, Fellowship & The Vote," a free candidate meet-and-greet event from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at 3575 Macon Road, Suite 6.

The gathering will feature fish, wings and opportunities for attendees to interact with candidates.

The weekend activities come as Georgia continues its early voting period, which began Oct. 13 and concludes Friday, Oct. 30.

Muscogee County voters may cast their ballots at any designated early voting location within the county. The five locations are the Columbus City Services Center, Shirley B. Winston Recreation Center, Elizabeth Bradley Turner Center at Columbus State University, Valley Healthcare and the Blackmon Road voting site.

Voters are required to present an acceptable photo ID. Residents can check their registration status, review sample ballots and locate their assigned Election Day precinct through the Georgia Secretary of State's My Voter Page.

For additional information about early voting locations and hours, residents may contact the Muscogee County Elections and Registration Office at 706-653-4392.

As Election Day draws closer, the weekend's activities reflect a broader effort to turn civic awareness into participation.

Whether through organized voter walks, community gatherings, candidate forums or transportation assistance, the message being delivered across Columbus is clear: Every eligible voter has an opportunity to participate, and every vote counts.