photo by Katie Nichols

Joketra Hall helps Amanda McCloud fill out a voter registration form at McDonald's Mac the Vote.

An apple pie and eligibility to vote

By Katie Nichols (Contact) | Selma Times-Journal

Published Saturday, October 4, 2008

Amid the sounds of children playing at McDonald’s play place, adults and teenagers joined millions of Americans who decide the future of out nation.

Saturday marked the first-ever “Mac the Vote.”

Joketra and Wesley Hall, owners and operators of Selma’s McDonald’s, held the voter registration drive.

“Three of my college friends and I were sitting around trying to figure out a catchy name for the event,” Joketra said. “Then, one of them suggested ‘Mac the Vote’ and we instantly knew that was it.”

Sonya Akintonde, an ING employee from Florida, assisted people with financial questions.

“I will be here answering questions about savings and budgeting,” Akintonde said. “I helped one lady come up with creative ways to stretch money. Part of that is to use any ability you have to make more money whether that is to baby-sit or take odd jobs.”

The drive produced at least 10 new voters before noon. Some of the voters had moved to the area recently and needed to re-register.

Three McDonald’s employees registered at the drive. LaTonya El, 28; Marcus Lanier, 17 and Desmone Willis, 19, all registered for the first time.

All anticipate voting in the presidential election. Lanier will turn 18 before the Nov. 4 election day.

Joketra stressed to 17-year-old people they could go ahead and register and then wait to vote.

“When ever someone gives you an opportunity, whatever it is, you should take it,” she said. “So, go ahead and register ahead of time and then vote when you turn 18.”

The slogan for Mac the Vote says voting is American as apple pie. New voters received a free apple pie in honor of the motto. Registers entered a chance to win a $100 Arch gift card, which can be used for meals at McDonald’s.

Free apple pies and possible $100 gift card are not the only things luring people to vote.

“This election is extremely important because of the issues involved,” Joketra said. “This is one way we can have employees register and reach out to the community. Selma is very historical in voting history so we should exercise the right.”

For photos of Saturday's Mac the vote, go to Selma Scene