The National Black McDonald’s Operators Association has joined the massive push to drive voters to the polls in November.

McDonald’s restaurants across the country are displaying “Exercise Your Right to Vote” window posters. The poster encourages people to visit the website www.exerciseit.net for information on registering to vote.

Kenneth Youngblood, president of the Black McDonald’s Owner Operator Association of Philadelphia, says the initiative helps increase the awareness that every citizen, regardless of their party affiliation, should vote.

“One of the few things that have been given to you is your right to vote, and you need to exercise it,” said Youngblood, who operates the McDonald’s at 7911 Ogontz Avenue.

“Everyone needs to participate so that they know they can have a part in the direction that the country is headed in.”

The initiative comes at a time when many are concerned that new voter ID laws will deter many from turning out for the upcoming election.

Rita Mack, who recently served as chair and CEO of the NBMOA, says the initiative has been embraced system wide.

“We thought this would be a good service for us to offer to our community by just reminding them to vote because it is very important to exercise their right,” said Mack, who operates two McDonald’s restaurants in Atlantic City, N.J.

The NBMOA is the largest organization for African-American franchisees in the country. Members of the organization own more than 1,400 restaurants through the U.S. with collective annual sales exceeding $3.4 billion dollars.

McDonald’s is a global food service retailer with more than 33,500 restaurants worldwide.

Contact Staff Writer Ayana Jones at (215) 893-5747 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .