Trump rally protesters send message ahead of midterm elections next week

ROCK HILL, S.C. (WBTV) - President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in York County on Thursday days before Election Day in South Carolina and across the country.

Trump was in Rock Hill on Thursday, Oct. 29, as he energized Republican voters ahead of next week’s midterms. However, the people protesting outside had a different message saying the economy, cost of living, and respect for all communities should be front and center.

“We are exercising our first amendment right and making sure that the president sees that not everybody necessarily supports his agenda and make sure that again we’re getting people out for early voting,” said protester Sabrina Romine.

Trump spoke at the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center encouraging support for Sen. Darline Graham and other Republican candidates across the Carolinas.

The rally comes as voters prepare to decide which party will shape the next Congress and many protesters say the stakes go beyond this election.

“I think my message to people as they come by is as America. We need to do better. We should not have let this go this far in the first place and it should not go any further,” said protester Thibault Faouz.

Their message to voters is don’t assume your vote doesn’t matter. While they don’t always get as much attention they stressed that midterm elections are just as important.

“I really want people to understand that they do have a voice, no matter how big your opponent is and just understand that he wouldn’t be here if voting wasn’t important,” said Winthrop student and protester Emani Dear-Hall.

“Midterms and elections like these are the most important elections. Like the presidential election is important, yes. But elections like this when you’re electing for your city, your governors and your senate and everything like that, that’s the most important time because those are the people that can truly make a difference in who’s serving us at the top of the table,” said student and protester, Jabari Simmons.