As you’ve no doubt heard, we’re putting on our best coats and walking shoes to fight for voting rights with a march and rally this afternoon. Several blocks will closed to traffic during the events, which kick off at 2:30 p.m. in Freedom Plaza with a march that leads to a rally at the Capitol Reflecting Pool beginning at 4:00 p.m. Between these times Pennsylvania Ave. NW from 3rd to 14th Sts. and 3rd St. NW between Constitution and Independence Aves. will be closed to traffic. Metro bus routes 32, 34, 35, 36, D6, 5A, 5B, 13, 32, 34, 35, 36, 54, 66, 70, P2, P6, S2, S4 will all be detoured around the area.

Today’s celebration of Emancipation Day means most city employees have the day off, which might alleviate some of the traffic tie-ups associated with late-afternoon closures. If you’re still worried about travel delays, why waste time in traffic when you could join leaders, lawmakers and your neighbors in doing something productive? We promise it’ll be more fun than trying to reach the 14th St. bridge.

If you are planning to attend, a reminder that the Metro Center and Federal Triangle Metro stops are your best bet to reach Freedom Plaza (Pennsylvania Ave. between 13th & 14th Streets, NW.) See you there!

Photo by Flickr user truenotes.