𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐘𝐂 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐬: 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭!

The Monday after completing the NYC Marathon, I packed my bags and headed to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to volunteer during the 2024 elections. This wasn't a last-minute decision—it was something I started planning back in February. With presidential candidate Kamala Harris likely to secure New York, I set my sights on a swing state to volunteer. Pennsylvania, just a short drive from NYC, stood out. Rather than heading to Philadelphia, a Democratic stronghold, I focused on York and Lancaster, areas that typically lean Republican but offered an opportunity to make an impact.

I chose to volunteer in Lancaster over York because Lancaster's vibrant downtown area and unique charm stood out to me. The city offers an interesting mix of history, culture, and community, making it a fascinating place to spend time. Additionally, Lancaster's large Amish population adds a distinctive element to the region, reflecting its rich heritage. It felt like the perfect location to make an impact while immersing myself in a unique part of Pennsylvania. The drive was just under 3 hours.

While in Lancaster, I had the privilege of volunteering with the Democratic Club in their Greeter Booths. This allowed me to interact with voters at a couple of polling locations. The experience was incredible—I worked alongside some amazing people and even met Republicans who crossed party lines to vote Democrat. Though the candidate I supported didn't win, the experience was deeply rewarding. It felt good to be part of the process, and I'm already hoping to return in four years!

It was a privilege to volunteer with Beth, whose husband, Trex Proffitt, ran an inspiring campaign for State Senator. Trex advanced as a write-in candidate from the Democratic primary on April 23, 2024—a remarkable accomplishment. Wishing him all the best as he moves forward after his close race against a Republican opponent.