Michelle Obama & LeBron James Team Up To Encourage Early Voting

Former first lady Michelle Obama‘s voting initiative is teaming up with a similar organization founded by NBA star LeBron James as well as other famous black athletes and entertainers to hold events in major U.S. cities beginning next week to encourage voting in the Nov. 3 election.

Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote and James’ More Than A Vote organizations will together provide voting support such as information, transportation, food, music and personal protective equipment between Oct. 18 and Oct. 31. The in-person events will be held in seven cities on Oct. 24 and will all be within walking distance from early voting sites. The events will feature music from local DJs, celebrity appearances, and free food courtesy of the nonprofit World Central Kitchen, founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, as well as other partners.

“Millions of Americans have already cast their ballot, and with only 21 days until Election Day, making your plan to vote early is critical,” Michelle told reporters on Tuesday. “It’s now up to us to do everything in our power to get our friends and family ready to vote early and safely together. We can’t leave anyone behind.”

When We All Vote also plans to host a virtual couch party on Oct. 23 to encourage voting. Other efforts by the former first lady include the launch of an early voting challenge and more than $1 million in grants and supplies to local voting initiatives partnered with When We All Vote.

All attendees and staff at the When We All Vote in-person events will be required to follow coronavirus safety guidelines and proper social distancing measures designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.