Students at Shaw University marched to the polls to make their voices heard in Raleigh’s local elections by casting their ballots early on Thursday.

The event was organized by the Shaw University Student Government Association, Common Cause NC and NextGen as a way to engage Shaw students in the voting process.

“I hope that this will build a lifestyle of voting, where students will be encouraged to vote not just in this election, but in every election to come,” said DeQuan Isom, a student at Shaw University and a Democracy Fellow with Common Cause NC.

Jechel Briggs, president of the Student Government Association at Shaw University, said it’s important for students to also stay engaged in the democratic process after casting a ballot.

“After getting out and making an educated vote, I would say the next step is to stay aware. For whoever wins, make sure they keep their promises, and that everyone is doing what they’re supposed to for the betterment of our community,” Briggs said.

Early voting for Raleigh’s election ends Friday, Oct. 4. Election Day is Tuesday, Oct. 8. Information on this year’s Raleigh mayoral and city council candidates can be found in the 2019 Raleigh Voter Guide.