**UPDATE: Click Legislative Special Session 2021 to see live updates of the Special Session including on-site coverage of the We The People rally.
Monday, Nov. 8, will bring an uptick in activity around the Capitol building in Bismarck. Not only will the legislature convene their special session that day, but a large rally is planned to take place on the Capitol steps from noon–3pm that same day.
Organizers of the We The People Rally are gearing up for 5,000 in attendance, which would make this one of the largest gatherings ever at the Capitol.
"The ability of a free people to make their own medical decisions without coercion is a fundamental thing."Jared Hendrix, Minot
Many of the same hot-button topics up for discussion at the special session are also driving this rally. Governmental spending, inflation, and vaccine and mask mandates have all been topics organizers have mentioned as factors inspiring this rally.
One organizer, Jared Hendrix, Minot, sees personal liberty, especially regarding vaccine mandates, as the fundamental driving force. “The ability of a free people to make their own medical decisions without coercion is a fundamental thing.” Hendrix continues, “There are plenty of people who see the value of being vaccinated, by assessing whatever risks exist, and make a decision for themselves. Others come to a different conclusion, and that’s their right to do so.”
"We want to be clear that this rally is not a single-issue rally."Travis Zablotney, Minot
Another organizer, Travis Zablotney, Minot, wants people to know vaccine mandates aren’t the only concern. “We want to be clear that this rally is not a single-issue rally. It’s about our representatives understanding that we expect them to represent us and preserve our God-given and constitutional liberties,” said Zablotney.
Keynote speakers include Fargo radio and television personality Chris Berg and video appearances by Charlie Kirk and Steve Deace. Several other freedom advocates from around North Dakota will also speak throughout the afternoon, including Amber Vibeto (North Dakota Conservative Advocates), Cassie Schmidt (Let Parents Decide That), and Alexis Wangler (Health Freedom ND).
Also speaking at the event will be Tammy Clark, an environmental health, safety, and regulatory compliance expert who spoke at the Capitol building in April at a similar event focused on passing anti-mask bill HB 1323. That bill was initially passed by the legislature, vetoed by the governor, and then overridden and made law by the North Dakota House and Senate.
More information about the rally can be found at wethepeoplend.com.
