Southern University students turned early voting into a celebration of culture, community, and civic engagement — and actress Meagan Good showed up to help amplify the message. The university’s famed Human Jukebox marching band led more than 100 students through downtown Baton Rouge on Oct. 27 as part of the “Second Line to the Polls” initiative, a lively procession designed to encourage young people to vote.
A Second Line With a Purpose
Organized by Southern political science senior Jaden York, the event blended HBCU tradition with voter outreach. Students marched from the Louisiana Art & Science Museum down River Road, through Repentance Park and Rhorer Plaza, before arriving at Baton Rouge City Hall to cast their ballots on Louisiana’s final day of early voting.
York said he wanted to help students access voting resources and reinforce the importance of having a voice in decisions affecting their communities. The initiative brought together Southern’s Student Government Association, the Human Jukebox, elected officials, civic groups, and numerous campus organizations.
Meagan Good’s Message to Young Voters
Good, whose stepfather is from Baton Rouge, joined the march and spoke directly to students about the power of their participation. She encouraged young people to stay engaged beyond a single election and reminded them that choosing not to vote still has consequences.
In a separate interview, Good delivered a blunt warning to nonvoters:
“If you don’t vote right now, then you actually are voting. You’re voting for the other side.”
She emphasized that disengagement has helped create the circumstances many people now face, urging students to recognize their influence in local, state, and national elections.
Community Support and Strong Early Voting
Local leaders — including Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards, Councilman Darryl Hurst, and Congressman Cleo Fields — joined the rally at Rhorer Plaza after the march. Early voting turnout across Louisiana was strong, with more than 363,000 ballots cast statewide by the final weekend.
A Tradition Meets Civic Duty
For Southern University, the “Second Line to the Polls” wasn’t just a march — it was a statement. By merging cultural pride with civic responsibility, students and organizers created an event that energized young voters and highlighted the role HBCUs continue to play in shaping political engagement.
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