As the frenzy of ads and political activities increases with Election Day now days away, area supporters of national and local candidates gathered for rallies and last efforts to see their favorites elected. 

Fairfax Republicans held a car rally in Alexandria, and planned a pop-up roadside rally at Routes 50 and 29 for the Trump/Vance ticket; had a presence at area farmers’ markets; held door knocking efforts in Alexandria and Fairfax City; and hosted a meet and greet with 11th District Congressional candidate Mike Van Meter. 

Fairfax Democrats volunteered supporting the Harris speech on Tuesday at the National Mall; marched in Leesburg’s Halloween parade to “vote for your daughter;” held final postcard writing parties in Springfield; and gathered with several state elected officials in support of 11th District incumbent U.S. Rep. Gerry Connelly for their “Don’t Boo - Vote Blue” rally at Accotink Park. NAACP pursued its efforts to curing ballot issues, monitoring canvassing and election boards, phoning potential voters in battleground states, defending voter challenges and purges; and holding a “Souls to the Polls” fish fry for those voting at Mount Vernon Government Center, an after-voting event. All over Fairfax County, voters cast their ballots at early voting sites.

Democracy also is happening in front yards across America this week, including Tilly Blanding’s front yard. Long-time union advocate and political activist, Blanding held a canvas launch rally at her Springfield home for Harris/Watz/Kaine on Saturday. In October 2019, Blanding held a similar rally for then Presidential primary candidate Kamala Harris, who attended and spoke to supporters before their canvassing efforts on her behalf. Over the years since, Blanding maintained contact with Harris, a fellow Howard University graduate and Alpha Kappa Alpha member. 

Blanding praises Harris, saying, “Her excitement for public service and her commitment to ensuring that workers are respected, protected, and paid is palpable, and her record has proven her commitment to our Union and working families across the Commonwealth and our entire nation.”

This October’s Springfield rally drew, among others, members of the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, and members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), an organization for workers in healthcare, the public sector, and property services. The union has endorsed Harris and lauds her plan to add home healthcare coverage to Medicare eligibility. Also attending were many who were present for Harris’ 2019 visit. New attendees included three Alexandria high school girls who participate in their school’s Young Democrats Club. The only one of the three now eligible to vote, Grace Barughese, told the crowd, “You are voting for our future.” Zoe Flynn, age 17, added,” Since we can’t vote, please make sure you vote for us.”