Southsiders for Peace Plan 'Count Every Vote' Rally On Wednesday

CHICAGO — Activists from Chicago and the suburbs are planning events most likely to mobilize on Nov. 4 — the day after the presidential election — to demand that all votes are counted and for the peaceful transition of power. Former Vice President Joe Biden had 238 electoral votes and President Donald Trump collected 213 toward the 270 needed to win the presidency.

As of Wednesday morning, mail-in votes were still being tallied in a few key states after President Donald Trump declared himself the winner and threatened to shut down further counting of mail-in votes.

Beverly-based Southsiders for Peace will assemble for a peaceful rally from 4:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4. Face masks are required, so if people do not wish to mask up they are being asked not show up. Due to the large number of sign-ups, the location of Wednesday's protect-the-vote rally has been changed to 95th Street and Western Avenue where there is ample parking.

Protect the Results, a network of over 100 bipartisan groups and grassroots organizations, are mobilizing “Count Every Vote” demonstrations across the county. The effort is being led by Stand Up America, MoveOn and Indivisible, who say they are concerned “about Donald Trump’s efforts to sow doubt about the election and his continued refusal to say if he will accept the results.”

Organizer William Beauileu said the Southsiders for Peace demonstration is to ensure that every vote is counted. It is not a pro-Biden or an anti-Trump rally.

“You have to question why some people keep attacking the electoral process and U.S. government institutions if they think they’re the majority,” Beaulieu said. “When people tell you not to trust authority they are trying to get away with something.”

More than 200 “Count Every Vote” demonstrations — and counting — will take place around the country. Several actions are already being planned in the Chicago area, including Daley Plaza, Arlington Heights, Mt. Prospect, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Brookfield, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Elmhurst, and the near west suburbs at Lake Street and Harlem Avenue.

“Our view is that we can’t bury our heads in the sand,” said Sean Eldridge, the founder and president of Stand Up America. “We have to be prepared if [Trump] were to try to undermine the election results or to prematurely declare victory.”

People interested in attending a Count Every Vote rally are asked to RSVP at Protect the Results. Registrants will receive a text or email if the time or date has been changed.

Beaulieu said the likelihood of activation is high as early as Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 4, the Southsiders for Peace event is set for 4:30 to 7 p.m.