Update, Nov. 4: Progressive East End Reformers announced that it would not activate its national mobilization network on Wednesday, and therefore its scheduled rally at the Bridgehampton Community House has been postponed.
"Right now, election officials are continuing to count millions of votes across the country, Biden is ahead in the electoral college and the popular vote, and the outcome of this election will be decided by the voters, not Donald Trump,” said an email from Kathryn Szoka, a volunteer organizer. The group will remain vigilant and ready to mobilize if needed “to ensure every vote is counted and respected,” she wrote.
Originally, Nov. 2: Anticipating a disputed result of Tuesday's presidential election, an activist group called Progressive East End Reformers has scheduled a post-election rally on Wednesday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Bridgehampton Community House.
The event is billed as a Protect the Results Rally (If Necessary). "If there is an attempt to steal/make false claims about the election or to prevent every vote from being counted," an email from the group on Monday said, "Protect the Results will activate nationwide mobilizations to demand that all the votes are counted and that there is a peaceful transition of power."
The email asserts that more than 500 events are planned around the country.
President Trump has long cast doubt on the legitimacy of voting by mail, which is expected to favor his opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden. He has pre-emptively cast doubt on the election results, polls for which consistently show Mr. Biden leading nationally and in several "battleground" states, and on Sunday the president vowed to mount a legal challenge in Pennsylvania even before all votes are counted in that state. Ballots sent by mail may arrive for several days after the election, but Mr. Trump insists that they should not be counted.
The email encourages participants to carry flags, "peaceful, creative signs," and flashlights, and suggests messages including "My Vote = My Choice," "Every Vote Counts," "Each Vote Is Sacred," and "Count Every Vote." Participants have been instructed to wear face coverings and respect social distancing guidelines.
The email includes a link to sign up for updates on the date, time, and location of further actions.
"We think the likelihood of activation is high," says a message at that web page. "With every tweet and refusal to commit to accepting the legitimate results of the 2020 election, Trump seeks to stoke chaos and fear. But we will be ready -- if Trump tries to steal the election or prevent every vote from being counted, the Protect the Results will activate nationwide mobilizations to demand that all the votes are counted and for the peaceful transition of power."
