News

Youth Climate Activists ask Toomey to Count Every Vote

Climate activists are focused on the importance of voting in 2020 election

Approximately twenty young adults protested outside Senator Pat Toomey’s Philadelphia office on Monday evening to urge that every vote is counted in anticipation of the upcoming November 3rd election. The action was led by the Sunrise Movement Philadelphia.

The young adults shared what they felt was at stake at the polls, and called on young adults to go on strike if every vote is not counted.

“I fulfilled my responsibility by voting,” said Kiera Lucash. “It’s time you fulfill your responsibility by making sure it counts and my voice is heard.”

According to Betsy Okrent, hub coordinator of Sunrise West Philly, “Last Friday, I sat and nodded in agreement as I heard from kids having anxiety about the election, kids doing everything in their power from phone banking to writing postcards to get Trump out of office, kids who barely remember a time when a person who actually cared about our wellbeing was leading the country. The fact that kids are calling people all over the country and celebrating every single vote they confirm should tell you how much each vote needs to be counted.” 

Cover photo: Ariel Weinbaum


Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.

Recent Posts

Washington Avenue Connector, trash pickup contest, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: New Washington Avenue Connector completed. The City of…

5 days ago

Meet 5 people building Philly’s green workforce

From a solar-powered shed in East Parkside to an orchard on State Road, these SustainPHL…

6 days ago

Enviro jobs & grants, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Parks and Rec expands environmental stewardship program. Philadelphia…

2 weeks ago

Meet 6 people making Philly greener, one neighborhood at a time.

(and they're all SustainPHL nominees!) From storm drains in Germantown to community gardens in Kensington,…

2 weeks ago

Vacant lot greening, A challenge to the school board, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Teens turn vacant lot into green space. Since…

3 weeks ago

The Philly Passive House: What does a home without fossil fuels look like?

Inside a Francisville Passive House project, Green Philly attendees saw how airtight construction, insulation, efficient…

3 weeks ago