Seattle’s oldest Black church delivers ballots on Capitol Hill

First African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest Black church in Washington state, led a community march to the ballot box on Sunday, marching from the congregation’s 14th Ave home above Capitol Hill to the ballot box on Broadway.

Following services, participants walked half a mile through Capitol Hill to deposit their ballots at Seattle Central College, honoring previous generations while rallying civic engagement ahead of Tuesday’s Election Day.

“Because of their tears, their blood, and their sacrifice, we are now able to do this freely,” said Pastor Carey Anderson, urging younger voters to remember the legacy behind the ballot.

Marchers stressed the impact voting has on the city. “Whatever happens in your daily life is affected by the people who are in charge,” said participant Oveta Hunter.

Fellow marcher Kim Dudley framed participation as an ongoing family responsibility. “We can’t complain if we don’t vote,” she told CHS. “Get out here, take that chance, and vote.”