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Sunday rally's speakers encourage early voting

Crowds of people came to hear Jesse Jackson and other speakers at the Empowerment Sunday rally at Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville.

The event, sponsored by the Political Action Committee for the African American Accountability Alliance, featured local, state and federal politicians. It focused on the importance of early voting.

The keynote speaker, Georgia Congressman John Lewis, expressed the importance of voting by emphasizing that voting is a privilege.

Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson also urged listeners to vote early.

The plaza was dotted with tables and tents, where voters could speak to candidates. The candidates encouraged voters to become informed and to vote early.

Diyonne McGraw, president of the Political Action Committee for the African American Accountability Alliance, said even if people could not participate in the rally, they still have the opportunity to vote early.

The deadline for early voting is Nov. 3.

Kelly Price edited this story online.

Forrest is a radio news manager for WUFT News. Reach him by emailing news@wuft.org or calling 352-392-6397.