Updated as of 7:12 p.m. on Oct. 30 to include video.
RALEIGH - Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris is expected to speak in Raleigh on Wednesday, Oct. 30. This rally marks the 20th visit by her and Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz, who will speak in Greensboro the same day.
Harris is expected to speak about the importance of early voting, while encouraging attendees to head to the polls to cast their votes.
Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump is also campaigning in North Carolina on Oct. 30 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Harris’ rally — held at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek — opened its doors early at 8:30 a.m., but supporters have lined up as early as 7 a.m. A group of student volunteers headed by the UNC Young Democrats, a student organization based at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, helped control the crowd as attendees arrived. Volunteers Caitlin Blatt and Brynn Dodge said they are excited to support Harris and feel voting this election is particularly important.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to go to anything like this, or do anything related to Kamala at all,” Blatt said. “I just felt like I needed to get out here and give back a little too.”
Dodge spoke about how easy it was to get involved in the rally, especially since she isn’t a member of the UNC Young Democrats.
“They pull together so many students to come to events like this,” Dodge said. “We hopped on the opportunity because it’s getting so close to the election, so it’s even more important to show up and encourage people to vote.”
But supporters of all ages came out to support Harris. High school sophomore Ella Desorbo said she believes it’s important for everyone to encourage people to vote, regardless of whether or not they are eligible to do so.
“We don't have a vote, but we can use our voice to get other people to vote,” Desorbo said. “Making our voices heard on issues we believe in is so important. Every single vote is so important, so we try to encourage people to vote for us.”
Doors close for the rally at 11 a.m., and Harris is set to take the stage between 11:30 a.m. and noon.
Before Harris took the stage, speakers included Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin, congressman Wiley Nickel and Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein.
Stein spoke about his own plans for the state of North Carolina, and how he differs from Republican opponent Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.
“Donald Trump and Mark Robinson’s plan is one of violence, division and hate,” Stein said during the event. “We want to build a better future. We choose hope over hate. We choose competence over chaos.”
Stein also spoke about the importance of this election and encouraged people to vote early.
“Elections in North Carolina are always close, but that means we have power. To possess that power is a privilege and a responsibility,” Stein said. “The stakes could not be higher, and the choice could not be clearer."
Current North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper also spoke before Harris made her entrance, thanking attendees and rallying undecided voters.
“Thank you for caring about the future of our state and our country, and for showing up to do the work to elect the next president of the United States,” Cooper said. “We have six days left to use our power to knock on doors, talk to friends and family, and help them make a plan to vote.”
Harris officially made her way to the stage at 1 p.m. and spoke about unity among voters, reproductive rights and her plans for the presidency.
Harris said she believes the White House should be a more united symbol and focus less on division.
“A major contrast between the two of us is that if elected, on day one, Donald Trump would walk into that office with an enemies list,” Harris said. “I would walk in with a to-do list that I will get done with you, the American people.”
Abortion rights were also a large talking point, in which Harris vowed to help restore reproductive rights to all 50 states if elected.
“One does not have to abandon their faith or deeply held beliefs to agree that the government has no right to control women’s bodies,” Harris said. “Women should be able to make decisions about their bodies.”
Throughout her speech, Harris emphasized her bipartisan focus.
“As president, I pledge to seek common ground and common sense solutions to the challenges we face,” Harris said. “I am not running for political points, I am looking to make progress and fight for the ideals of our country.”
Harris left Raleigh at 2:30 p.m. to head to her next campaign stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania later that day. She will be back in North Carolina on Nov. 1 for a campaign rally in Charlotte.
Early voting is currently open and will stay open until 3 p.m. on Nov. 2.
Alice Morrissey and Olivia Berger contributed to the reporting of this story.
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