Walz Rallies Canvassers in Matthews, N.C. as Election Day Approaches
Matthews, N.C. – On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, the excitement was palpable at the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party headquarters, as around 200 enthusiastic local canvassers gathered to hear Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz speak. Clad in Harris-Walz T-shirts and the campaign’s recognizable camo hats, the crowd filled the room with energy and determination, ready to make a difference in the upcoming election.
A Call to Action
This was Walz’s fifth visit to North Carolina since joining the Democratic ticket, and he came with a clear message: every vote counts. He urged the volunteers to hone in on undecided voters, emphasizing the importance of engaging with those who may not realize how pivotal their participation is. As it turns out, new data has shown that unaffiliated voters have become the largest voting group in Mecklenburg County, making it crucial for Democrats to reach out to them.
Accompanying Walz was Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, who added her voice to the chorus of support for the campaign. Together, they were met with chants of “Fired up! Ready to go!” from the crowd, setting the stage for an inspiring afternoon.
Local Volunteer Takes the Stage
Opening the event was volunteer Tamala Harris, whose name perfectly matches the Democratic vice presidential nominee. She spoke passionately about the weight of voting, reminding attendees, “When I come across people who are undecided or may not vote, I tell them about the importance of voting and how it affects them… I tell them about the shoulders we stand on because people died for our right to vote.” Her words resonated deeply, evoking cheers and applause from the eager crowd.
Walz’s Motivating Message
When it was time for Walz to take the stage, the atmosphere turned electric. He was welcomed with chants of “Coach! Coach! Coach!” as the tune of “Small Town” by John Mellencamp played in the background. He made it clear to the audience that the time to act is now. “We’re inside 150 hours until we get to do this thing,” he said energetically. “When do you get the chance over 150 hours to change the trajectory of not just the next four years but the next 140 years?”
Walz highlighted the stark contrast between the Harris campaign and the controversial events surrounding President Donald Trump’s recent rally. He noted the online backlash Trump received after comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made inappropriate jokes, stating that this divisive approach does not represent the joy and love they seek to promote. “I’m going to stand with joyful people over hate. We see those less fortunate not as punchlines for jokes but as our neighbors.” His words aimed to unite and motivate the room, encouraging everyone to reach out to those who might be uncertain about their voting intentions.
Focus on Mecklenburg County
Walz stressed the importance of Mecklenburg County, which is the state’s second largest in population but has historically struggled with voter turnout. Democrats are eager to mobilize more left-leaning voters ahead of the upcoming election, hoping even a slight increase could tip the scales. He reminded the audience how a few more Democratic votes across nearly 200 precincts could have changed outcomes in the past, including the election for Democrat Cheri Beasley as N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice.
On to the Next Stop
Closing his speech after about six minutes, Walz received roaring applause as he made his way to Charlotte Douglas International Airport for his next destination—Greensboro. There, he planned to kick off another canvassing effort before heading to Asheville, where he was slated to appear at a community concert in a downtown venue called The Orange Peel.
With Election Day rapidly approaching on November 5, early voting is already underway and will end on November 2. The excitement surrounding the campaign continues to build as candidates and supporters push to generate high voter turnout and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
