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Citizen’s Group Seeks To “Illuminate Democracy” After Dark Run-Up To Inauguration Day

An image of a candle with Illuminate Democracy over it and instructions to light a candle or phone for 9 p.m. on January 19th, 2021
Illuminate Democracy

A citizen’s group in Western Massachusetts is asking Americans to show their support for democracy on the eve of Wednesday’s presidential inauguration.

Andrew Blechman of Illuminate Democracy says the group’s goal is to celebrate the nation’s form of governance after months of lies and efforts from President Donald Trump to question or alter the outcome of the 2020 elections and the Capitol attack January 6th.

“People are desperate for something to do," he told WAMC. "This is a way that we can do something together that’s positive, nonpartisan, ecumenical, not owned by anybody or sponsored by anyone. It belongs to no one. It’s a way we can just all do something that is positive and reflects upon and honors our democratic institutions.”

Illuminate Democracy is asking people to light a candle or illuminate their phones at 9 p.m. Tuesday, before President-elect Joe Biden is sworn in Wednesday.

Josh Landes has been WAMC's Berkshire Bureau Chief since February 2018, following stints at WBGO Newark and WFMU East Orange. A passionate advocate for Western Massachusetts, Landes was raised in Pittsfield and attended Hampshire College in Amherst, receiving his bachelor's in Ethnomusicology and Radio Production. His free time is spent with his cat Harry, experimental electronic music, and exploring the woods.
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