The Vigil scheduled for 11/4 is cancelled/postponed. The situation is fluid, and we could be re-activated in future. To receive future notices, please register (if you have not already).
Free and fair elections are the foundation of a democracy. That means elections free of interference, intimidation, or voter suppression, with every vote counted. The Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Congregation Hold the Line Team is planning a peaceful, socially distanced silent vigil November 4 in Shoreline to demonstrate our insistence that this principle be honored.
When and Where
This event will go forward if specific red lines are crossed that indicate a disregard for democracy: 1) if victory is declared before all the votes are counted, 2) if voting irregularities are not investigated and remediated appropriately, or 3) if the true election results are not respected (e.g., Trump loses but refuses to leave office). We are hearing from national election protection leadership that they believe Trump is likely to cross a red line, on election night or soon after. We will notify you by noon on the day of the event as to whether it is on or is cancelled.
When: Wednesday, November 4, from 4 PM to 6 PM. How long you stay is up to your stamina! If the red lines are crossed, we may continue daily vigils from through Sunday, subject to the same sort of cancellation deadline.
Where: Location provided upon registration.
Who is invited? How do I register?
Who: Members of the Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Congregation, and our valued partners, allies, and friends. If you want to publicize this event on your website, we ask that you provide only a brief summary (which does not contain the location) and link to this web page for details. To avoid attention from opposition actors, please do not post the location on open platforms like Twitter or your Facebook page.
Registration will help us understand how many people plan to attend and provides a platform for rapid communication in case of event changes or safety issues. To register, click on this link and complete the brief registration form. Your contact information will only be used for this and similar events.
Communication plan: We plan to send out email and possibly text updates. If you do not register, we will be unable to contact you.
What to bring and wear:
- Signs: please use one of our two designated messages – either “Count Every Vote” or “Protect Every Person.”
- Cell phone, but leave valuables at home.
- Warm clothes and gear suitable for the weather (rain gear if needed). Check your weather forecast. Clothing that is light-colored or reflective, to be visible in the dark. Sunset is at 4:45 PM, so bring a flashlight.
- Battery operated candles and lanterns are optional·
Safety tips
- Masks and social distancing are required!
- When you spread out, do so in 2’s and 3’s (with some distance if not family)
- Don’t be alone: be sure to join our group at the meeting place or plan to meet/go with a friend
- Stand in the spaces between intersections, not at intersections (where cars stop and could harangue you)
- Don’t stray too far from where you parked
- Noise: the plan is to be silent, both as a tactical choice, and a safety choice to reduce the viral load that might otherwise be spread by chanting or singing.
Pledge of conduct
No violence — Do no harm — No property damage —Obey the law
Respect the rights of others — No racism — No religious discrimination
Peacekeeping and De-escalation
- Plan how to respond to conflict in case it occurs. Do your best to remain calm – breathe – do not engage – alert someone near you to the situation – move away. If you feel uncomfortable – alert a Peacekeeper (wearing yellow striped vests). Leave if you feel the situation is dangerous. You can call 911 if you are threatened.
- If you are Clergy or are trained as a Peacekeeper and are not on our list, please let us know at Shoreline.vigil@gmail.com
- Review one of the de-escalation videos listed below
Seattle 350 – Peacekeeper and De-Escalation Training Zoom Video
Protect the Results – De-escalation and Safety Training Tactics Recap:
Other information
Can’t attend? Join the Neighbors in the Street event and put a light in your window or go out outside and hold a sign, a light, or make some noise! This is a recurring event. .
This page will be updated as planning progresses!
Still have questions? Contact shoreline.vigil@gmail.com