In an effort to rally supporters for Democrat candidates such as Josh Stein, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the Alamance County Democrats welcomed a special guest — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Shapiro addressed the North Carolina Democrats on Sept. 29 at the Democratic headquarters in Burlington, emphasizing the urgency of active participation in the upcoming election.
"In a community like this, that's especially important," Shapiro said. "There's power in those signs. And the reality is, we have a responsibility to make those calls, send those texts and put those signs up."
In a pointed critique of former President Donald Trump, Shapiro urged the crowd to reflect on life during Trump’s presidency.
“When Donald Trump was in charge, we had fewer jobs and more chaos, right?” Shapiro asked the audience. “We remember what that was like, and we are not going back.”
ACD volunteer Robert Shuford said it was exciting to see Shapiro talk to Alamance County citizens to help other Democratic candidates.
“I’m very excited to see the governor of Pennsylvania,” Shuford said. “It’s great that he’s out here, really helping everybody — helping Josh Stein, helping Harris, Walz and the rest of the Democrats on the ballot.”
ACD volunteer Jennifer Nystrom said Shapiro’s speech was the perfect thing to hear before starting the door-knocking campaign ahead.
“It was exciting to hear him cover all the key points,” ACD volunteer Jennifer Nystrom said. “It’s a great reminder before we head out to knock on doors. I’m so glad he made the trip down.”
Shuford echoed Shapiro’s sentiments about the importance of the upcoming election.
“This is a very important election," Shuford said. "Probably the most important in my lifetime — and I’m 65 years old. It’s critical that people get out and vote.”
During his speech, Shapiro highlighted the importance of youth participation in particular.
“I would encourage young people to vote and demand a seat at the table here in North Carolina,” Shapiro said. “It really matters that your voices are heard.”
Nystrom said she is cautiously optimistic about the outcome of the election.
“I’m excited that she could be our next president but also a little apprehensive,” Nystrom said. “I never expected Trump to win in 2016, and I don’t want to wake up surprised again, so I want to do everything I can to get the vote out.”