Pastor Will Live On Roof In Penn-North Community To Increase Voter Turnout
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A 66-year-old Baltimore pastor says he's going to live on the roof of his church until at least 500 people from his neighborhood get out to vote in the upcoming Maryland Primary Election on April 26.
Elder Harris is a life-long Sandtown resident and co-founder of Newborn Community of Faith Church and Jubilee Arts.
Last year during the April unrest, people from across the country watched as chaos erupted in Harris' community.
The iconic CVS that burned into the night is just blocks from the Gilmor Elementary School where the Baltimore pastor casts his vote each election.
But it's low voter turnout that's causing the pastor to take a stand for his community and his right as an American.
"We have to honor our ancestors, those who came before us who fought for us to have the right to vote, their struggle was not in vain. This is an extreme measure to let our community know how important it is to get out and vote," he says.
Harris says only 257 people from his voting district (15-018) casted a vote during the 2014 Primary, and that he wants to make a change.
The Baltimore Election Board confirms to WJZ that in 2014, only 257 people voted from Harris's precinct (15-018) and 223 voted from precinct (16-006), which also shares the Gilmor Elementary School polling location.
To date, there are 2,463 registered voters in Harris' precinct and 1,212 register voters in the neighboring 16-005 precinct, according to The Board.
So Harris plans to stay on the roof of his church located at 1947 Pennsylvania Avenue until 514 people come to vote on, or before the April 26 primary.
He started his quest April 16 in conjunction with the 9th annual Boundary Block Party hosted by Jubilee Arts, The No Boundaries Coalition, Beats, Rhymes and Relief and the Living Legacy Foundation.
Harris may get some assistance from a recent change in state law which allows ex-felons on parole, or probation the right to vote for the first time.
The No Boundaries Coalition is also working to double voter turnout in the entire Penn-North community and says it will provide free shuttles to early voting sites on Saturday.
On the heels of last April's unrest, many city leaders are eyeing up a major comeback for the city of Baltimore and a chance to pave the way for a better future.
It starts with a new leadership and a unified community. Harris says he wants to make sure his community has a voice in shaping history.
Voters in Harris' neighborhood are asked to stop by the church, or tweet using #Ivoted or #deVoted500 to let him know you voted.
Early voting for Maryland's April 26 primary runs through April 21. There is at least one early voting center in each county.
