“Democracy works when people participate and what you are doing is helping people participate,” Holton said. “You are the most important people in this campaign.”
Ohio, historically viewed as one of the key swing states, will be the deciding factor in the election, according to Holton.
“A lot of this election really does come down to Ohio,” she said.
While she offered her gratitude to those in attendance, she also urged volunteers to continue knocking on doors and making phone calls until the polls close Tuesday.
“I invite you to think about all the things you thought you were going to get done between now and Tuesday and how important are they,” she said. “Think about: can you sign up for one more shift? Can you talk to that one more person? Can you make sure one more person gets out and votes for Hillary and Tim?”
Holton also joined campaign supporters in calling a few people who had pledged a vote for Clinton, thanking them before taking a handful of pictures with volunteers and organizers. Soon after, volunteers resumed making phone calls to prospective voters, taking Holton’s message to heart.
Gladys Turner-Finney, 89 of Trotwood, said that she’s a part of the campaign because of what it would mean for women to have the next president be a female, and that Holton helps project that message.
“Her speech reminds—not only me but everyone here and in my area—the importance of having someone in the White House who supports women’s issues; the things that women care about,” Turner-Finney said.
Frances Evans, a former teacher of 35 years and resident of Englewood, said she’s looked up to Holton because of her work in Virginia as the Secretary of Education.
“It was wonderful to see Ann Holton because she’s been working in the trenches for education for a long time. She’s done the job all of her life and has been a service to the country because as long as we can educate young people, this country’s going to be alright,” Evans said.
Holton had scheduled appearances through northwestern Ohio, with stops in Lima and Findlay Wednesday, capped off by a visit to Toledo on Thursday.
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