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“Celebrate Voting” Aug. 5-6
The Iowa
Secretary of State’s Office is leading an Iowa celebration of our voting
heritage and voting rights. Celebrate Voting is a bipartisan initiative that commemorates
the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, the 85th Anniversary of the 19th
Amendment (women's right to vote), and the current implementation of the Help
America Vote Act (HAVA).
Celebrate Voting is a joint initiative of the Iowa Secretary of State Chet Culver, Iowa State Historical Foundation, Iowa Department of Human Rights, Iowa Civil Rights Commission, NAACP, Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, ID Action and League of Women Voters of Iowa.
On Aug. 5, Celebrate Voting kicks off in downtown Des Moines Friday, Aug. 5 with an event to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the U.S. Voting Rights Act. A lunch hour spectacular will feature the Isiserettes drum and dance corps, other entertainment and local celebrities. This event is free and open to the public.
An evening gala is also planned Aug. 5 at the State Historical Museum to honor Iowans who made contributions to the struggle for voting rights. Internationally renowned opera star and Iowa native Simon Estes will perform at the gala and delight the audience with his magnificent baritone voice and majestic stage presence.
The celebration continues Saturday, Aug. 6, with all-day events at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines related to the history and evolution of voting rights. The family-oriented activities will feature a talk by keynote speaker Nikki Giovanni, a world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist and educator, as well as a voting rights panel for adults. Children will enjoy interactive exhibits, storytelling and multicultural music and will have the opportunity to participate in a mock election using real election equipment.
To register for either event, visit www.sos.state.ia.us/elections/hava/EventsContInf/CVReg.aspx.
For more information, contact Phyllis Peters at 515-242-6235 or
ppeters@sos.state.ia.us.
