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Why do cowboys show up on the streets of Philadelphia? In these times, it’s to get out the vote.
Members of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club cantered through the city on Sunday, tracing a path from their stables in Strawberry Mansion and visiting artwork in the area to spread the word about voting on Tuesday.
This marks the second GOTV event this year for the urban riding club, which is showcased in the Idris Elba movie “Concrete Cowboys” coming to Netflix this winter. Led by club president Ellis “El Dog” Ferrell Jr., the crew rode through the city in early October to remind people to register to vote.
The Sunday route was created to purposely pass by several symbolic pieces of public art, including:
- “All Power to All People” by Hank Willis Thomas (27th and York)
- “A Tribute to Urban Horsemen” by Jason Slowik (3222 Montgomery Ave.)
- “Stay Golden” by Gerald A. Brown, Roberto Lugo, Isaac Scott (33rd and Diamond)
On Election Day, El Dog and a couple of horses will visit “Rumors of War” by Kehinde Wiley (52nd and Locust) around 11 a.m.
These rideouts are in solidarity of the Unstoppable Voters Project, a spokesperson said, a nationwide initiative to bring joy to the voting process. It’s similar to the Compton Cowboys’ “Fuck Talking, Go Vote” effort in Los Angeles. The project aims to inspire voting and spread the word about 866-OUR-VOTE, a voter protections hotline.
Fletcher Street is currently raising money to ensure the club’s future. A GoFundMe has raised $7,000 of the hopeful $100k goal.
MORE ELECTION 2020:
- What’s on the Philly ballot this year? Guide to candidates, ballot questions and more
- Guide to satellite election offices and ballot drop boxes in Philly
- Confused by the Pennsylvania ballot tracker? Here’s what your status means
- Map: Polling places in Philly that will open on Nov. 3
- What if you applied for a ballot and now want to vote in person?
- Do you need photo ID to vote in PA? Not unless you’re a first-timer
- Avoid a ‘naked ballot’: Instructions for voting by mail
