State capitols across the country are the “places to be” on Monday, December 19th when electors will make the November 8th presidential election results official. Any uncertainty about President-elect Trump taking the oath of office will be gone after that vote. Or will it?
A loose coalition of progressive groups is calling for nationwide action, and an Alabama event is planned for Montgomery from 10am to 1pm at the Alabama State Capitol, 600 Dexter Avenue.
Here’s the description from the Facebook event page.
We will gather on the sidewalk at the top of Dexter Avenue (in front of the State Capitol, where Dexter Avenue meets Bainbridge St), 10am – 1pm on Monday, December 19th. If for some reason the elector voting ceremony (which starts at noon) continues past 1pm, the organizers will stay until it ends. Any individuals who need to leave should feel completely free to do so, however.
Locally, this is being coordinated by a loose coalition of Nasty Women of Tuscaloosa, AL and Pantsuit Nation – Alabama Chapter. We are coming together in peaceful protest to call on members of the Alabama Electoral College to refuse to vote for Trump. We are also coming together in peaceful protest to connect with and support each other so that we can continue to work together to resist the new administration.
Keep in mind that we don’t have a permit, as we missed deadlines for applying. The sidewalk is under city administration, rather than that of State Capitol police. We will gather on the sidewalk at the top of Dexter Avenue (in front of the State Capitol, where Dexter Avenue meets Bainbridge St.). Groups of 20-25 have been on that sidewalk two Thursdays in a row, with impunity. IF we are a large group, the police might come and ask us to disperse. If/when that happens, we can individually chose to disperse or not. Nothing will happen to those who chose to disperse. Those who refuse to disperse will face arrest.
Please join us. Together, we can resist. Together, we can protect our democracy.
Nationally, this action is being supported by a growing coalition of organizations including Democracy Spring, Americans Take Action, Electoral College Petition, and Progressive Change Campaign Committee (BoldProgressives.org).
Here’s what Democracy Spring says about why we’re gathering:
Trump lost the popular vote by over 2.5 million votes but he won the Electoral College. His victory will only come as the result of an overwhelmingly undemocratic election.
That result is not inevitable. We have one last chance to #DefendDemocracy and #StopTrump. On #Dec19, we are mobilizing thousands of Americans to come together in a massive peaceful protest at all 50 state capitols calling on members of the Electoral College to refuse to vote for Trump.
These actions will be peaceful, patriotic, nonviolent, and family-friendly. Everyone taking part must agree to the following terms of participation. By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved, and you are committing to participate non-violently and in accordance with the law, and to work to de-escalate confrontations with Trump supporters or others. You agree (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law and (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities.
Organizers are putting this together under intense time pressure, and they ask for your help.
LIA contributing writer, Spencer Bowley, explained what is needed on the 19th:
- 1 or 2 police liaisons who can, along with myself, take the responsibility of communicating with and de-escalating any interactions with law enforcement – if such encounters should happen.
- Spokespeople at the event (esp. people who will be personally affected by Trump policies).
- Spotters (looking for/connecting with any media at the event).
- Photographers, videographers, livestreamers, etc.
Organizers are working to put together carpools from other areas of the state, so anyone needing a ride or who can offer space in their vehicle is should note that on the Facebook event page or contact organizers via email.
Contact Spencer Bowley for more information and/or to offer your services: [email protected]
