Marchers rally for voting rights, fair elections in HKonJ

By Adam Owens, WRAL anchor/reporter

Raleigh, N.C. — Thousands gathered in downtown Raleigh on Saturday morning for the Thousands on Jones Street March and Rally.

Demonstrators were moved propelled by a number of causes, many about the direction of the country, they said.

“Economic inequality, racism, sexism, women’s rights being destroyed, actions being taken against the common good and only serving a few,” Janet Wise said.

It's the march's 14th year. Participants walked down Fayetteville Street to the state capitol.

Jessica Hall, who studies social work at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, said HKonJ helped her see where change is needed and how she can make it happen.

“For me, I have never even voted, and now being here, I understand the importance of it,” Hall said.

Voting itself was a concern of the crowd, protecting access to the ballot at making sure the 2020 election is fair.

“We know we are in a time when democracy is being put up for auction,” Wise said.