“Trick-or-vote” puts a spooky spin on civic engagement at National Civil Rights Museum

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Halloween celebrations took on a civic twist Saturday as the National Civil Rights Museum welcomed families for its “Trick or Vote” event, combining candy and costumes with an important message about voting.

With Election Day fast approaching, the event gave families an opportunity to enjoy Halloween festivities while learning about the voting process, accessing voter resources, and preparing to cast their ballots.

For organizers, the goal was simple: make conversations about voting accessible, engaging, and fun.

“We’re passing out candy, but we’re also asking, have you voted yet? Do you know what’s on the ballot?” said Venita Doggett, executive director of MICAH.

The event encouraged visitors to dress as civil rights heroes or individuals who fought for voting rights, using costumes as an opportunity to introduce children to the people and history behind their right to vote.

Doggett said the Halloween atmosphere also made it easier to connect with people who might not otherwise seek out voter information.

“Most people have got their guard down, and they’re just curious, right? So, they get some information, and they go away, and they feel prepared to vote,” Doggett said.

Veda Ajamu, chief engagement officer for the National Civil Rights Museum, said the event welcomed hundreds of families, giving organizers an opportunity to share voting information with parents while teaching children about civic responsibility.

“It’s trick or treat with a purpose,” Ajamu said. “And it’s amazing because we are able to share voter resources with people, checking to see if they’ve voted already and letting them know that they can walk away with a plan if they’ve not voted already.”

But organizers say the message extends beyond the upcoming election. They also want younger generations to understand the sacrifices made to secure voting rights.

Ajamu shared how her grandmother influenced her understanding of the importance of voting.

“My grandmother taught me very, very early on. She was in her mid-30s before she even had the right to vote,” Ajamu said. “She made sure that we knew how important voting was.”

That history continues to shape how Ajamu approaches the ballot box.

“So when I vote, I vote for myself, but I also vote for her and all of those ahead of me that could not vote,” she said.

For Tikeila Rucker, executive director of Memphis For All, passing that understanding down to children is critical to preserving democracy.

“We’re passing down the importance of voting to our children so they can pass it on to their children,” Rucker said. “Because the only way we maintain democracy is that we continue to pass on the importance of that and create values around the importance of getting out to vote.”

Cardell Orrin, executive director of Stand for Children, said civic engagement should be something entire families and communities participate in together.

“The way that we engage civically should be about how do we influence our community and do it together along with families and children and adults,” Orrin said. “And it’s a thing everybody can get involved with.”

Orrin said events like Trick or Vote show that education and entertainment don’t have to be separate.

“And so as we have fun, as we create joy, we also have the opportunity to inform and educate,” he said.

With Election Day approaching, organizers hope families leave with more than Halloween memories. They want them to leave knowing where to vote, what identification they need and how to make their voices heard.

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