Local events scheduled to encourage voter turnout

INDIVISIBLE BURKE NC

Rock The Vote: Indivisible Burke NC, Common Cause, and The Reptile Cantina host musician Jag Robinson in a free rock show to encourage voting. This “party for democracy” takes place from 5:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, at The Reptile Cantina, upstairs at 108 E. Meeting St. in downtown Morganton.

Voting Rally: Indivisible Burke NC is also participating in a nationwide day of action in support of democracy. On Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., members of the community are invited to participate in an active display of patriotism, inclusion, solidarity, and commitment to democracy. This is part of a nationwide day of civic action organized by the national Indivisible group which, like the local group, is nonpartisan, nonviolent, and dedicated to supporting a real democracy for all people.

The purpose of this event is to encourage high voter turnout, connect people to the democratic process, and to resist increasing authoritarianism.

All are welcome to join and are encouraged to bring American flags and signs that align with the event’s goals of promoting democracy and encouraging voting. The Morganton Ridgeline Trolley will be on hand to transport participants to different areas around the county to increase visibility and connect with a wider range of people.

The organizers believe the timing is critical: The erosion of our democracy and the damage done over the past 22 months will take years to repair. We must try to stop the slide into authoritarianism and start to rebuild a government based on accountability, the rule of law, the constitution, respect for human rights, and working for the interests of everyday people, not billionaires.

Indivisible Burke NC was started by a group of local, concerned citizens in March 2025.

This is the fifth public, nonpartisan rally in support of democracy that they have organized in Burke County since April 2025. For more information, visit indivisibleburkenc.org.

MARCH TO THE POLLS

The Repairers of the Breach March to the Polls is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, with a rally beginning at noon at Calvary Lutheran Church, 119 King St. in Morganton. A March will follow. Burke early voting locations will be open until 3 p.m. that day.

The event includes a collective of interfaith leaders, civic organizations, and individuals in unity to support democracy.

Transportation will be available for those unable to walk the route, crossing guards will be placed along the route, and water will be provided at the end. The nearby Burke Senior Center, 501 N. Green St., is an early voting location.