NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our country, and the freedoms that are part of it.
Over this holiday, the Urban League of Middle Tennessee is reminding people about the power of voting.
Edwin Sanders' old car doesn't run like it used to, but he drives it every election day.
"It's been my transportation to the polls over and over again," Sanders said.
Every election he adds to his collection of stickers poll workers hand out after people vote.
"Every time I vote, I would come out and take that little sticker they give you and stick it on my dashboard," Sanders said.
His dashboard is covered in them.
"It's a statement. It's a statement about who you are, and about what matters," Sanders said.
Sanders first voted in the 1960s in Memphis, and he hasn't missed an election since.
"Every time. Every time. I would say I've never missed," Sanders said laughing.
His passion for voting can be seen outside the Sanctuary of the Metropolitan Interdenominational Church in North Nashville, which he has led for nearly forty years.
"Lift every voice and vote," Sanders said as he read a sign in the church.
He is so determined to vote, that he once drove hours on election day back to Tennessee just to cast his ballot.
That was long before early voting.
"I made my way from Connecticut, where I was in school, to Memphis in order to vote," Sanders remembered.
It is the message the Urban League of Middle Tennessee is promoting this Independence Day.
"The Fourth of July is a time for this country to celebrate," Clifton Harris said.
He is the President and CEO of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee.
"It's time to vote. It's time to get out the vote, and everyone's vote can make a difference," Harris said.
The Urban League registers people to vote every election.
"Voting is not a partisan issue. It is a right to vote," Harris said.
He's now urging people to get registered and vote in next month's primary on August 6.
You must register by Tuesday, July 7, to vote in the August primary.
Voter turnout has been low in Tennessee.
Harris wants that to change.
"You can't allow yourself to be frustrated. You got to encourage people to vote," Harris said.
Edwin Sanders says not voting is not just harmful, it's disrespectful.
"The right to vote is a byproduct of blood, sweat and tears for many people over many generations," Sanders said.
If people feel uncomfortable voting in person because of COVID-19, and they are registered to vote, they may request an absentee ballot by mail.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the August Primary is July 30.
