Montclair Activists Ready To 'Protect The Vote,' Group Says

MONTCLAIR, NJ — UPDATE: An organizer with Protect the Vote Montclair said Friday's rally will proceed as scheduled. Our original article follows below.

It’s a rally they hope they don’t have to hold.

Organizers with an ad-hoc group called Protect the Vote Montclair say they’ve organized a tentative protest for Friday in the township, which is set for 3 p.m. in Watchung Plaza. Participants will be asked to wear face masks and social distance according to state coronavirus guidelines. (Learn more here)

The rally will take place if “any candidate tries to undermine the presidential election or prevent every vote from being counted,” according to a news release from organizers.

The effort has also drawn support from the League of Women Voters of the Montclair Area.

Donald Trump has doubled down on claims that he won the 2020 presidential election, while Joe Biden's campaign said it will vigorously fight any efforts by the president to go to the U.S. Supreme Court to prevent outstanding ballots from being tabulated.

The Associated Press hasn't declared a winner in the rancor-filled race.

• See related article: Trump Wants To Take Election To Supreme Court; Biden Vows Fight

But Trump’s claims and a push from his supporters to speed up vote counting have raised a red flag among his opponents, who say that more time is needed to ensure a fair, accurate election.

Ironically, Protect the Vote Montclair says the Friday rally is something they hope to cancel.

“Organizers are hopeful that the integrity of the election will be protected, that the rule of law will stand and the rally will be unnecessary,” the group stated.

“Given the complexity of mail-in voting, Americans must be patient as we await the final tally,” said James Cotter, a rally organizer. “If a candidate or a media outlet prematurely declares a winner and seeks to halt the full and fair count of every vote, we must be ready to mobilize, get into the streets and make our voices heard.”

John Sullivan, another rally organizer, said he hopes that both sides will “abide by the rule of law” and accept the final results.

“But if either side seeks to stoke chaos and fear in hopes of undermining the election, communities throughout New Jersey and across the nation are ready to activate,” Sullivan added. “Montclair will join the call and demand that every vote be counted.”

• See related article: Protests Planned In Newark After Trump's Disputed Election Claims

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