GLOBAL BLACK ECONOMIC FORUM AND ESSENCE ANNOUNCE RETURN OF PAINT THE POLLS BLACK FOR 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Three virtual town halls hosted by Alphonso David and Ebony McMorris — who will be joined by experts, public officials, artists and community voices from around the country — will inform, mobilize and equip voters ahead of the November 3 midterm elections

NEW YORK, October 7, 2026 — The Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF) and ESSENCE today announced the return of Paint the Polls Black, a virtual town hall series that brings together voting and election experts, public officials, artists and community voices to help voters prepare for the 2026 midterm elections. Beginning October 19, the three-part series will address voter registration, early and mail-in voting, election protection, and final preparations for Election Day on Tuesday, November 3.

Hosted by Alphonso David, President and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, and Ebony McMorris, award-winning journalist at American Urban Radio Networks (AURN), the town halls will take place on consecutive Mondays from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET, beginning on October 19 and concluding November 2.

This year, GBEF and ESSENCE will connect the mechanics of voting with the issues shaping people’s daily lives, including jobs, business opportunities, housing, health care and education. Each conversation will provide space for audience questions and help participants find reliable information to make informed decisions.

“People are asking real questions about what this election means for their families, their livelihoods and their futures. They deserve clear answers and the resources to act on them,” said Alphonso David, President and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. “Through Paint the Polls Black, GBEF and ESSENCE are bringing our communities into direct conversation with people who can help them understand the issues and navigate the voting process. We want every participant to leave knowing how to prepare, where to turn for help, and how to protect their freedom to be heard.”

2026 Paint the Polls Black Town Hall Schedule

Monday, October 19 — Getting Ready for the 2026 Election — Voter Registration, Early Voting & Voting by Mail Register Here
The opening town hall will launch the 2026 series with a conversation about election preparedness, misinformation, and the questions voters want answered. Guests will discuss how to check registration status, find state-specific registration rules and deadlines, and access trusted election resources. Voters are encouraged to check their registration and applicable deadlines immediately rather than wait for the first event. We will also discuss options for casting a ballot before Election Day and the deadlines voters should know. This conversation will explain early in-person voting and voting by mail, including how to locate official guidance for each state. The town hall will also explore the experiences of young voters and HBCU communities, and how planning ahead can help people fit voting into work, school, and family responsibilities.

Monday, October 26 — Election Protection: What to Know When You Show Up to Vote Register Here
Voters need to know where to turn if they encounter problems casting a ballot. Election protection experts will discuss how to seek assistance, report concerns and find reliable information about voting rights. People of color, justice impacted individuals, married women who changed their names have all reported challenges exercising their right to vote. This conversation will provide concrete answers; participants will also hear from people involved in election protection about their experiences, opportunities to volunteer and efforts in courts and legislatures to protect access to the ballot.

Monday, November 2 — Election Eve: Make Your Plan to Vote Register Here
On the eve of Election Day, the final town hall will bring together practical reminders and perspectives from voters who have already cast their ballots. The conversation will cover finding official polling information, checking applicable identification requirements, accessing voter assistance, and making a plan to vote. Guests will also discuss congressional and local contests and the decisions voters will help shape.

Throughout the series, GBEF and ESSENCE will emphasize the connection between civic participation and the decisions that affect communities long after Election Day. Participants will have opportunities to ask questions, hear directly from experts, and share information with their own networks.

Because registration deadlines and voting procedures vary by state, voters should visit vote.org now to find official registration information and connect with their state or local election office.

For town hall registration, streaming information and updates, visit www.gbef.com or https://www.essence.com/paintthepollsblack/ . Each Town Hall will stream across ESSENCE and GBEF platforms.

About Paint the Polls Black
Paint the Polls Black is a voter education and engagement initiative presented by the Global Black Economic Forum, ESSENCE and produced by Ruby Shoe Creative. It brings together experts, public officials, artists, and community voices to help people understand the issues, navigate the election process, and exercise their right to vote. The inaugural 2024 virtual event attracted more than 200,000 people.