The Pike County NAACP and the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office partnered Friday to offer an opportunity for voters to get free photo IDs for the upcoming election.

Two hours into the event, five people had come to get IDs and two people were able to walk away with valid IDs to vote in upcoming elections.

That’s a win, said Dianna Bascomb, president of the Pike County NAACP.

“If just one person comes and is able to get an ID so that they can participate in the election process, it’s worth it,” Bascomb said.

And the event had already doubled that halfway through.

Most importantly, the event provided residents an opportunity to get a free photo ID that they may not always have such easy access to. The NAACP even offered free rides to any residents that needed transportation to the event at J. Michelle’s Special events venue between Brundidge and Troy.

“It’s important that everyone has the opportunity to get a voter ID,” Bascomb said. “We want everyone to participate in the process. We need to limit complaining and get out and exercise our right to vote. Some on fixed income can’t afford to go out and get a photo ID; this is to give no excuse to not get involved and vote. We want everyone to have the same opportunity.”

Bascomb said the local branch jumped on the opportunity to host the event with the Secretary of State’s office, which was a major initiative of the Alabama NAACP.

To get an ID, residents only needed to bring a valid form of identification (but not an election-valid photo ID) and sign a form. The residents left the event with a paper copy and would get a laminated copy in the mail.

The NAACP is taking a proactive approach to get people involved in the upcoming elections, which will include races on municipal, county, state and national levels.