Across New York and New England on Saturday, Oct. 10, more than 70 grassroots organizations organized banner demonstrations to promote voting and civic participation. Many of the participants support Democratic Party candidates or are in opposition to the policies and approaches of the Trump administration.
During peak weekend traffic, over 800 volunteers at 80 different locations gathered at highway overpasses to display large, high-visibility political messages that encourage voter engagement ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. An estimate of over 300,000 vehicles witnessed the banners.
The Interstate Midterm Bannering project began in Rochester and began to grow as a Rochester-based group called Indivisible Outreach developed connections with
groups from Buffalo to Syracuse. On its website, Indivisible Outreach describes its mission "to raise awareness and act to Fight Fascism, Save Democracy, and Protect Our Civil Rights."
The project grew in popularity as other groups in the Northeast organized their own demonstrations. The organization's messaging for the bannering event is directed towards Democrats taking majorities in the House and Senate in this year's midterm elections.
Historically, signs and banners have played a role in demonstrating support for particular candidates or a political party, often cluttering property on important corners in communities across New York state. While Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman has a fundraising gap compared to incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul, his supporters have sought to make up for that by distributing Blakeman yard signs across much of the state.
'Defending democracy' through highway banners
In the case of Indivisible Outreach, founder Marcia Glenn, a Penfield resident, emphasized how this project is focused on getting people to go out and vote.
"With the bannering project, we're extending far beyond our own particular community," Glenn said. "We are looking at that as a grassroots that is a combination of different groups all coming together and experiencing the same peaceful protest network that we have all committed to, at the same time defending democracy, defending against tyranny, but doing it in a peaceful way in which we can communicate the message to the entire community and beyond."
Glenn also said the organization is putting together additional efforts to promote voting such as rides to the polls.
The first two of four bannering events were completed Aug. 29 and Sept. 12. The next event will be held Oct. 31 during high-traffic morning and afternoon periods. In the Monroe County area, banner events are set to take place in the City of Rochester and Henrietta.
— Kerria Weaver works as the Government and You reporter for the Democrat and Chronicle, with a focus on how government actions affect communities and neighborhoods in Rochester and in Monroe County. Get in touch at kweaver@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Overpass banner campaign aims to drive voter turnout for Democrats
