From the Pews to the Polls: Seattle’s Oldest Black Church to March for Voting Rights and Civic Participation

First AME Church concludes its Every Household, Every Ballot campaign with a community march Sunday, November 1

SEATTLE, WA — On Sunday, November 1, First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME), the oldest Black church in Seattle and in Washington state, will lead a community march to the ballot box. The march caps FAME’s Every Household, Every Ballot (EHEB) campaign, which has helped approximately 100 households prepare for the November 3 general election.

Organized by FAME’s Social Action Commission, marchers will gather outside the church and step off at 12:45 p.m., following Sunday worship. Church members, families, and community supporters will walk about half a mile through Capitol Hill to the King County ballot drop box at Seattle Central College, arriving at approximately 1:00 p.m. The march will go on rain or shine.

Launched during the August primary election, the nonpartisan EHEB campaign goes beyond traditional voter reminders. Each participating household identifies a Family Lead who helps eligible voters confirm their registration, receive their ballots, develop a voting plan, and follow through with returning their ballots.

“Voting isn’t just about what happens in Washington, D.C., or Olympia. It’s about the quality of our everyday lives: our schools, housing, healthcare, public safety, and the opportunities available to our children,” said Desley Brooks, Chair of FAME’s Social Action Commission. “Our goal is to make voting a household commitment, not something we remember at the last minute.”

Sunday’s march also honors the generations of African Americans who fought for voting rights, including those who crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in 1965.

“For generations, the Black church has been a place where faith and the pursuit of justice come together,” said Rev. Dr. Carey G. Anderson, Senior Pastor of First AME Church. “As we walk together, we honor those who sacrificed for the right to vote and remind the next generation that their voices matter.”

Ballots must be placed in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, or postmarked by Election Day. Voters who are not marching can find drop box locations from King County Elections at kingcounty.gov/elections.

WHAT: Every Household, Every Ballot: March to the Ballot Box

WHEN: Sunday, November 1, 2026. March steps off at 12:45 p.m., following worship. Rain or shine.

WHERE: First AME Church, 1522 14th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122

DESTINATION: King County ballot drop box at Seattle Central College, north entrance on Broadway, 1701 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122. Estimated arrival 1:00 p.m.

ABOUT FIRST AME CHURCH

Founded in 1886, First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) is the oldest Black church in Seattle and in Washington state. Led by Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Carey G. Anderson, FAME continues a long tradition of faith, civic engagement, and community leadership. Learn more at fameseattle.org and follow FAME on Facebook and YouTube.