Join people across the country for Lighting the Path for Democracy, a national Election Eve Candlelight Vigil from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. local time on November 1 the night before the vote.

On Election Day, Americans will divide by party to vote and watch returns. Lighting the Path for Democracy will be a nonpartisan opportunity for all Americans to come together with friends and neighbors to show that democracy matters, call for clean elections, and encourage people to vote on November 2.

The vigils are a nonpartisan effort of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), an international social justice organization, and are supported by the National Council of Churches and United for Peace & Justice, a coalition with more than 800 affiliate organizations.

With offices in 43 cities in the United States and 22 countries of the world, AFSC was a primary force in the 2003 candlelight peace vigils. The Service Committee hopes to replicate those feelings of unity and support on the eve of this years election. Participating cities include: Baltimore, MD; Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, PA; Pasadena and San Francisco, CA; Syracuse, NY; and Washington, D.C. Participating communities outside the U.S. include: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Trafalgar Square, London and many others.

Those interested in organizing or attending a vigil should visit www.afsc.org/vigil, e-mail vigil@afsc.org, or call 215-241-7179. The website includes information on sponsoring a vigil and a generic flyer that you can adapt for your community.

November 3rd
Anti-War Candlelight Rally and March Planned for Day After Elections

Peace Pledge-Chicago and many other Chicago area peace and justice groups are calling for a candlelight rally and march on November 3, 2004, at 5 pm, at the Federal Plaza to protest the ongoing war in Iraq and the occupations of Afghanistan and Palestine. No matter who wins the election, the war and the occupations will continue. The rally and march will bear witness to the death and destruction caused by these illegal government actions and demand that American troops withdraw immediately. The demonstration is part of a national effort in the days following the election to bring the anti-war message back to the forefront.

The rally will begin at 5 pm with a candlelight vigil, and will feature speakers from military families who are against the war. The event is sponsored by the November Third Coalition: American Friends Service Committee, Andersonville Neighbors for Peace, Chicago Anarchist Network, Chicago Coalition Against War and Racism, Chicagoans Against War and Injustice, DuPage Coalition Against War, Eighth Day Center for Justice, Historians Against War-Chicago, Logan Square Neighbors for Justice and Peace, National Baricua Human Rights Network, Nicaragua Solidarity Committee, Palestine Solidarity Group, Peace Pledge-Chicago, Prairie Fire Organizing Committee, Southsiders for Peace, Students for Social Justice.