Race to ‘Propel the Vote’
Marathoner to run through every mile of town to encourage voting
If you see someone running up, down and around every street in North Wales this Saturday, know that it’s a woman on a mission.
Yes, every street: Jessica Grinspan says she’s planning to visit every corner of the town to try to encourage residents to make their voices heard.
“On Saturday, October 31st, I’ll be traversing every single street in North Wales, in order to generate energy and enthusiasm for voting — in a nonpartisan and socially-distanced manner,” she said.
A resident of Church Road, Grinspan told council on Tuesday evening that she’s an avid long-distance runner who residents have likely seen “running all over the community,” and was looking for a way to do so for a specific reason.
“Like a lot of endurance runners, I really cherish running for a purpose that’s greater than myself. Especially during a pandemic, when in-person races are so few and far between,” she said.
“It seems like a good time to combine my passion for running with promoting a socially-relevant mission,” she said.
Her proposal? She’s calling it “Propel the Vote,” and said her plan is to build enthusiasm in those who normally cheer her on.
“The goal is to get fellow community members, who I’d normally stop and wave to anyway, motivated about turning in their ballots, or racing to the polls,” she said.
Using several running apps and a map of the borough, Grinspan told council on Tuesday night, she’s come up with a route to hit every borough street, a route she estimates is about 26 to 30 miles, roughly the same as a basic marathon. She’s planning to publicize the idea on social media, and as of Tuesday night her plan was to run solo, with stops possible if friends and/or spectators offer aid stations along the way.
Her plan is to star t around 10 a.m. on Oct. 31, starting at Sumneytown Pike and Beaver Street, then run around the perimeter of town and each of its three wards, with a goal of finishing by early evening with the final time depending on if anyone has questions about what to do on election day.
“If people want to talk to me, or have questions about voting, I plan to stop and talk to people. The goal isn’t to be efficient or fast, it’s to raise awareness, and also to see what North Wales has to offer,” she said.
Grinspan added that she’ll be out regardless of the weather, and hopes to encourage residents to get outside and fight what she called “tech fatigue” for those who have been spending too much time online lately.
“I think the word ‘unmute’ is probably going to be the word of the year for 2020, and the political phone calls are a little more impersonal than a friendly face from your community,” she said.
Can people follow her progress? Grinspan said she usually posts about a run only after she’s finished, but friends, family or onlookers might post their own updates as they see her go by or stop to talk. On Wednesday, she posted details on the North Wales Borough Community Facebook group, and those interested in learning more can also follow a newly created “Propel the Vote 2020” Facebook page for updates, including possible checkins every few miles on that day.
“This is an interesting project — certainly a worthwhile goal, of encouraging people to get out and exercise their voice, and their vote,” said council President Jim Sando.
Police Chief Mike Eves and borough Manager Christine Hart both said they were initially wary of Grinspan’s plans, until learning that no large group was involved, just one runner.
“It would just be like somebody out on their normal run day. As long as we don’t have to close down the route, and she’s careful, I don’t foresee any problems,” Eves said.
Hart added that seeing a borough map covered with turn arrows gave her pause, and drew thoughts of much larger events like the annual Tex Mex Connection runs that draw thousands of runners to town.
“Immediately, we thought: ‘ Run — logistics, barricades, f ire police,’ and a lot of volunteers in a short amount of time. So we were relieved to hear that it is virtual,” Hart said.
“I commend you on your efforts. I think it’s a great thing you’re doing to get out the vote. You’re doing it in a very bipartisan way. We welcome you into the community, and wish you all the luck, and hope you stay safe,” she said.