Tips for Attending a 2016 Presidential Campaign Rally

Campaign Rally for President Barack Obama, Fort Lauderdale, Oct. 2012.
Campaign Rally for President Barack Obama, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Oct. 2012.
Campaign Rally for President Barack Obama, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Oct. 2012.

While most people cringe and moan during election season, I find it kinda exhilarating. Having attended probably a half-dozen rallies plus two inaugurations and the Republican National Convention (in Tampa) since 2008, I’m sharing my tips for attending a 2016 presidential campaign rally.

My Reasons for Attending Presidential Campaign Rallies
Yeah, I know. Call me crazy for enjoying politicking season but it’s one of the things that makes America great. People put their lives on the line to defend our democracy and it’s important not to take our right to vote for granted.

Importantly, I encourage others to vote with their head rather than emotions. This means, cast an educated vote and the best way to learn about the presidential candidates is to attend a campaign rally.

Donald J. Trump for President Rally in Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 28, 2015
Donald J. Trump for President Rally in Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 28, 2015

I enjoy attending rallies because I hear directly from candidates’ mouths rather than relying on media outlets. I can also observe body language and see how candidates interact with constituents.

Attending also allows me to speak with other voters and learn the issues important to them. This helps me understand why they and others support a particular candidate over another.

Plus, rallies provide interesting entertainment value. During the Donald J. Trump rally in Sarasota last month, there was an elephant outside the venue. Yes, about 10,000 people and a pachyderm attended that event.

Yes, an Elephant. Donald J. Trump for President Rally in Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 28, 2015
Yes, an Elephant. Donald J. Trump for President Rally in Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 28, 2015

Campaign rallies are an opportunity to celebrate the United States Constitution’s First Amendment which protects the freedom of speech. When it comes to the candidates and their constituents, freedom of speech is a beautiful thing but hatred is pretty dang ugly.

I despise trash talk, low blows, and attacks on spouses and family during election season while appreciate intelligent conversation, spirited debates and thoughtful reasoning. And in general, attending presidential campaign rallies is an opportunity to be part of history and celebrate patriotism and all that’s good with the United States.

Sen. Hillary Clinton Campaigning for Barack Obama, Winter Park, Fla. Nov. 1, 2008
Sen. Hillary Clinton Campaigning for Barack Obama, Winter Park, Fla. Nov. 1, 2008

My Tips for Attending a 2016 Presidential Campaign Rally

Based on experience, following are my tips for attending a 2016 presidential campaign rally:

How Do I Know When a Presidential Candidate Will Be Visiting My Town?
One of the most frustrating things during the 2008 presidential race was finding out when either Obama or McCain were visiting. I was willing to travel up to four hours to attend an event yet in some cases, I wouldn’t learn about a rally until either late the day prior or the day of. Social media accounts for each of the candidates didn’t include information about rallies and the events section of their respective websites were not very helpful.

During the 2012 cycle, both the Democratic and Republican parties embraced 21st century and began posting on their websites their schedules a few days out. Even better, they had sections where you could register to receive information about upcoming rallies. They also had a better handle on utilizing social media (although, the Obama campaign was ahead of the social media curve in 2008).

I encourage you to:

  • Visit the websites of each candidate and sign up to receive notifications of upcoming rallies. Downside, expect to receive tons of campaign donation requests but that’s why the delete button was invented.
  • Follow the candidates on Twitter and “Like” their Facebook pages.
  • Visit the website of your local Democratic or Republican Party chapter and register to receive updates.
  • Read the political section of the local paper.
Gov. Sarah Palin Campaigning in Tampa, Fla., Oct. 26, 2008
Gov. Sarah Palin Campaigning in Tampa, Fla., Oct. 26, 2008

Okay, There’s a Rally. How Can I Attend?
Remember, anyone can attend a presidential campaign rally so whether you learned about a rally through a news broadcast, newspaper article, email or through social media, follow the instructions for registering to attend. Most likely it’s a free rally (and not a campaign fundraiser) and although you’re required to RSVP, doing so doesn’t guarantee you’ll be admitted into the venue.

I learned the hard way in 2008 when I was turned away with ticket in hand from a rally featuring Gov. Sarah Palin in Fort Myers. Especially with indoor venues, there’s a seating capacity set by the fire marshal. Once at capacity, most people are turned away. In the case of Trump’s Sarasota visit, they provided outdoor seating for the overflow crowd in which the candidate addressed them before and after his primary speech.

Members of the Duggar Family and Zach Bates during Rally for Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum, Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 29, 2012
Members of the Duggar Family and Zach Bates during Rally for Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum, Sarasota, Fla., Jan. 29, 2012

It’s Rally Day! Now What?
ARRIVE EARLY if you want to hear the candidate. Again, speaking from personal experience, if a rally begins at 4 p.m., don’t show up at 3:30 p.m. expecting to be admitted. During the 2008 race I stood in line for four hours to hear Sarah Palin (yes, FOUR HOURS) in Tampa and many others were ahead of me. A couple of weeks later I waited three hours to hear Hillary Clinton campaign for Obama in Winter Park, Fla. I ended up with front-row positioning and met some really great people.

The rally ticket will indicate when the doors into the venue open and if you really want to get in, arrive an hour before that time.

Barack Obama Supporter, Winter Park, Fla., Nov. 1, 2008
Barack Obama Supporter, Winter Park, Fla., Nov. 1, 2008

What Should I Wear?
In addition to donning your red, white and blue, if you’ll be waiting in line for four hours or any duration, be sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. If you’ll be standing out in the sun, bring along a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and possibly insect repellent. Or, if you’re in one of those states that snows, dress for the weather. If permissible, bring your own chair or blanket to sit on.

Will There Be Food and Water?
Brown bag it! Don’t forget your water and snacks. Some venues will have food for sale while others will not. I’ve also attended rallies where they had complimentary water and others did not. If you need to eat every two hours then bring food with you.

Keep the Shoes On But Be Prepared for Airport Security
Not sure if this will be the norm for 2016 but during the Trump rally in Sarasota last month, all rally-goers needed to pass through TSA security. Bottles of water were okay and we could keep our shoes on but items such as baseballs and lighters were tossed out. When attending a presidential rally, leave the perceived weapons (even if you have a permit to carry) home.

Campaign Buttons - Donald J. Trump for President Rally in Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 28, 2015
Campaign Buttons – Donald J. Trump for President Rally in Sarasota, Fla., Nov. 28, 2015

Other Essentials to Bring Along to a Presidential Campaign Rally
Bring your questions! Become familiar with the issues, listen to the presidential candidates and if the opportunity presents itself, ask a question.

Bring your respect. No matter what your political alliance, be courteous and respectful of the candidate and other attendees.

If it’s important to you, be sure your camera and phone batteries are charged. I carry at least two external batteries for my iPhone. A Sharpie marker along with the candidate’s latest book are handy in case you’re close enough to ask for an autograph.

Speaking of phones, sure, snap some photos and videos but then put the phone away and enjoy the moment in person, not through a screen.

Political button, T-shirt and hat vendors are a plenty (you’ll see the same vendors selling different pins depending on the candidate speaking). Bring along your small bills if you want to pick up a piece of political memorabilia and hold out! As I’ve found, the vendors closest to the venue are the most expensive. I collect buttons and rather than spending $5 for one, see if you can pick up two for $5 or even better, three for $5. Some vendors do accept credit cards.

Gov. Bill Richardson Campaigning for Barack Obama, Port Charlotte, Fla., Oct. 21, 2008
Gov. Bill Richardson Campaigning for Barack Obama, Port Charlotte, Fla., Oct. 21, 2008

Know the Code
If you’re social media savvy, find out if the specific presidential rally has a designated hashtag and use these in your Tweets, Instagram and Facebook uploads. Your followers and others interested in the presidential campaigns will appreciate the information you’re sharing in real-time.

What Are Your Tips?
Have you ever attended a presidential rally? What tips would you add? Are you planning on attending any rallies in 2016?

You can only vote for a president once every four years. Vote with your head and not your emotions.


Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to support my travel habit.

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Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.

99 thoughts on “Tips for Attending a 2016 Presidential Campaign Rally

  1. Thank you for the information! I will be attending my first rally tomorrow and am so excited! But I want to make the most of my time there so thanks for the pointers! 🙂

  2. Hi, not sure you will see this on time, but it’s worth a try!
    Tmrw is my first rally and doors open at 12:15. How early do you think I should go? Thanks in advance!

  3. Hello San. Depends on who you’re going to see and where. Without knowing much – you should be okay if you’re there 2 hours ahead of time. Have a great time and glad you’re taking an interest in the presidential process and the well-being. Remember to vote!

  4. Thank you for all of this great information, it was very helpful! I’m going to my first rally tomorrow and I can’t wait. Usually I don’t take an interest in politics but I’ve been watching the news lately and Bernie Sanders has caught my attention. Do you have any other advice/tips on rallies? What should I expect? Any help is appreciated.

  5. Hello Haylee! Thank you for stopping by and you’re welcome. You should have a terrific time! If the rally is outdoors, remember to keep hydrated and protect yourself from the sun! Be open-minded, you’ll meet great, like-minded people, and you’ll feel an electric energy in the air. You may be mentally and physically tired from the rush! It’s really a thrill being part of the path to the presidency. Wish I was able to see Bernie on the campaign trail.

    Thanks for taking an interest in the process. Be sure to vote and drop me a line letting me know how your experience was! 🙂

  6. This will be my first rally on Saturday as well! So beyond excited! I do have a 5 year old daughter. She does really well being out all day with me, so I know if I take her she’d do fine, but I can’t get any answers from anyone if children are even allowed. I will be seeing Ted Cruz. My questions are can I bring my daughter and how much in advance would be good for a crowd like his in Utah?

    Thank You.

  7. Hi Sherry. Thanks for stopping by and I’m excited you’re participating in the presidential process!

    Without knowing specifics, from experience I have seen children at all rallies I’ve attended. You may want to check with the GOP party that’s holding the rally just to be sure.

    As for timing on when to get there it depends on the size of the venue and time of day but you should be ok a couple of hours prior to when the doors open.

    Enjoy the process and be sure to vote.

  8. Hi , I am thinking about attending the Hillary Clinton Rally in Phoenix on Monday, I am recovering from Lymphoma, and Want to bring my Nikon camera and telephoto lens . Is it possible to arrange a seat or is it always kind of First come first served. I am not sure I can stand for 4 to 6 hours straight and would be going alone

  9. Hello Rob.

    Thank you for stopping by and glad you’re on the recovery with Lymphoma. Every rally I’ve attended has been first come, first serve, however, you can contact the local Democratic party office in Phoenix to see if they can make accommodations for you. Please put your health first!

  10. Hi! Not sure if you’ll see this in time but I’ll comment anyway. I’m going to a Bernie Sanders rally later today and I’m not sure what time to arrive. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. But he doesn’t start speaking until 5:00 p.m. When do you think I should arrive?

  11. Hi Katie.

    Thanks for stopping by. Definitely get there before the doors open if you want to get in. From what I understand he’s been getting large crowds.

    Enjoy the event and thanks for taking interest in the process!

  12. Hello, Thank you for all of this helpful information! Do you know if you are permitted to leave the rally early?

  13. Great info!! Been googling endlessly until I found your tips-it really should not be so hard to find information on campaign stops but it sure is! Very appreciative 🙂 My 25 year old daughter is finally taking an interest in the presidential political process so I’m hoping we can attend one!

  14. Thanks for stopping by, Lisa. I’ve seen people leave rallies early and without knowing the specifics you should be able to do so. Enjoy the process!

  15. Hi I wanted to attend a Bernie rally in a few days but I’m trying to schedule it around my job, if the doors open at 11 AM what time would he go on? And how long would it last, including trying to get out of the venue? Thank you!

  16. Hello Derek.

    Thank you for your email and glad you’re interested in the presidential election process. Without knowing specifics, if the doors open at 11 a.m., and depending on how large the venue is, the main event probably wouldn’t begin until 1 p.m. (taking into consideration people need to get into and settled in the venue) and that’s a guess. However, you may want to get there before the doors open even if you have a ticket to the event. As for how long it would last, it depends on whether there are other speakers and/or entertainment – so it could range from an hour to two. As for how much time to get out of the venue, I don’t specifics but plan some time. Check with the Democratic Club where the rally is being held to see if they have a more specific answer.

    Best of luck!

  17. very late but I want to go to the Bernie rally tomorrow but when I wanted to rsvp it said it has reached their max capacity so should I still try to go or not even bother?

  18. its probably really late but I am trying too go to a Bernie rally tomorrow but when I went in to rsvp it said that they have reached their max. capacity. Would I still be able to get let in or should I not even bother?

  19. Hello Karina. In my experience it didn’t matter if I had a ticket and registered or not. If you have the time, get there early and see if you can get in. If you don’t get in, you’ll at least have the experience of being there and being around like-minded people. Good luck!

  20. Hi, I need your help asap. I want to know how, where and when to attend the upcoming rallies in New York, New Jersey and Phillie. I have a banner I would like to hold up.

    I am launching a new website named

    PROUDTOBEANANERICAN.ME that is .ME not .COM

    It is live but I have a few more things to do before I start heavy marketing.

    This site will give Americans a place to voice their political concerns about what is going on in America Today for EVERYDAY AMERICANS. I took the words of those I spoke to and put them on removable bumper stickers and created the ” THE FLAG OF THE PEOPLE”.

    Check out our “If I were President” tab.

    like us also on facebook/proud2beanamerican.

    I also have to start a dialogue here too.

    Can you help me please asap…time is limited for me to attend these rallies.

  21. that is

    facebook/proud2beanamerican.me

    I left out the most important part the .ME.

    This is the first time I ecer did this..lol

  22. Hello Laureen. The best advice I can give you is to contact the respective political parties for each of those cities plus, visit the websites of the candidates. Sometimes there’s any event section listing where they’ll be. Also, check their social media pages.

    Best of luck!

  23. Hi. I am glad I came across your site. My son, who is only 13, has been so interested in this presidential campaign. He has watched most debates — both sides — could probably give a decent run down of all the candidates than most adults who are eligible to vote! He really wants to go the the Donald Trump Rally tomorrow in Harrington DE. I did reserve 2 tickets. I’m preparing to take him and will have him read your site so he is prepared for long waits and the possibility of not actually getting in. I will definitely plan on leaving a little earlier than I was thinking. It didn’t occur to me that having reserved tickets didn’t mean we were guaranteed to have a seat. This is going to be the most interesting day trip i’ve done in many years!

  24. Thanks for dropping by and glad these tips were useful. I’m also glad to hear your son is interested in the process! Would love to hear about your experience afterward. Best of luck!

  25. I’m so glad I came across this! I’m going to my first campaign rally tomorrow also. I have a question. The ticket doesn’t have a doors open time but it has the time of the start of the rally. Which is 6pm. What time would you recommend I leave for the event?

  26. Hi Dylan. Thanks for dropping by and glad you’re interested in the presidential election process. If it starts at 6 you’d probably want to get there by 3 pm at the latest. Best of luck!

  27. Hello Jenna. Rallies vary from an hour to a couple of hours to longer. Depends on the candidate, how many other people will be speaking before them, etc. Glad you’re interested in the process.

  28. I am going to a Trump rally in a couple of days and the doors open at 3pm and the rally is at 6pm. I was planning on getting there at around 1 or 1:30, is that early enough? I know most of Trump’s previous rallies draw huge crowds and this venue only has a capacity of like 8k

  29. Are children allowed to attend rallies? my daughter is 8 years old and really wants to go. I will be attending my first rally tom. and my husband and I were wondering if we should let her come with us.

  30. Hello!

    I am a Junior in college and am planning on attending my first presidential rally. I am attending a Cruz rally just to observe what it will be like, and to hear him out. It will be in my small town in Indiana. I am wondering if you had any tips on how to actually position yourself best to meet/shake hands with the Candidate, in this case Cruz or Fiorina. I know most candidates with at least do this for some time at the end, and it is a night rally so I am assuming they have no other scheduled events for the day. It starts at 7:30-9. It would be great to actually be able to greet them. Is there a specific group worth contacting before hand, a time to get there, place to stand, or is it worth contacting the campaign team themselves and seeing if you have any luck? Was looking for advice on this as the rally is this Sunday.

    Thanks!

    Thanks!

  31. Hello Elsa. All rallies I’ve attended have been open to children and my friends have brought their children. Check the candidate’s website to see if they have restrictions, though.

    That’s great your daughter is interested in the process!

  32. Hello Quinn. My advice would be to arrive as early as possible and make your way to the very front of the stage. If they shake hands with attendees it would most likely be after the event when the candidate has spoken. You can reach out to Cruz’s campaign office there, too. Glad you’re interested in the process and best of luck!

  33. Hello! I am taking my daughter to a Trump rally tomorrow in South Bend, In. She is learning about the election process in school. I think this would be a great thing for her to experience and want to make sure we get in. How early would you recommend we get there? Doors open at 4 pm. and the rally starts at 7 pm.

  34. Hello Leslie. Glad you and your daughter are interested in the process. How early would depend on how big the venue is. The smaller the venue the earliest you should arrive. Not knowing the specifics, I’d arrive around noon or 1 pm to ensure I got in. Enjoy the process!

  35. Thanks for this post! It was very helpful. I’ve attended a few rallies in my life and book signings. I just wanted to say this: if you really want a good seat or standing area close to the stage, show up VERY EARLY. I showed up an hour before a David Sedaris book signing in Portland and ended up waiting 6 hours in line to get my book signed. I also attended a rally this year with Bill Clinton; showed up 2 hours before the doors were even scheduled to open and still didn’t get a great spot.

  36. Are children of any age allowed into the convention center for the trump rally, I.e. four and five-year-olds?

  37. Hello Teresa.

    Of all the rallies I’ve attended, children have been there. Unless it states otherwise in the information, children should be allowed to attend.

    Enjoy the process!

  38. What a terrific post! I hope to see Hillary and Biden tomorrow in Scranton (a reasonable 2.5 hours away) and will get there at 8 AM for a 10 AM door open and a 12 Noon rally. You don’t talk about urination management, but in events like this I tend to withhold fluid intake roughly 12 hours before my last assured visit to a rest room just in case going while waiting for an event to start might cost me my space. PS: I am an equal opportunity attender and look forward to seeing Trump during his next visit near me.

  39. Hello Paul!

    Thanks for dropping by and you raise a great point, because I have a little bladder 🙂 Terrific tip about reducing liquids intake.

    Enjoy the Hillary event and let me know about your experience!

    Cheers,

    Jennifer

  40. I am thinking about attending a Clinton rally in Miami tomorrow. Are constituents ever allowed to ask the candidate questions

  41. I’m going to a Hillary Clinton rally at David L Lawrence convention center in Pittsburgh, PA tomorrow. Its her and Tim Kaine. The doors open at 2:15pm and I live about 20 minutes away. My sister and I were wondering what time we should try to get there if we want to be really close to the stage and try to meet her? Also, does she generally meet people before or after the convention?

  42. Hi Brennan. Thank you for your email and excited to learn you’re planing on attending the Clinton/Kaine rally.

    As for time to arrive – last week I attended the Clinton rally in Tampa. Doors opened at 2:30 pm and I arrived at 10 am and there were only about a dozen people ahead of me. Ironically, I didn’t get in front of the stage because basically, the security line to get in was a bit disorganized – people rushed the metal detector and there was a big blob vs a line to get in.

    So, although I was able to shake Hillary’s hand during the event – I was able to get next to the barrier where she walked onto the stage, I was standing next to people who arrived at 1:30.

    She shook hands with people before and after her speech plus after her speech she took selfies or posed for photos with some people.

    Also, those of us in the front perimeter of the barriers who had books were able to get them signed. I don’t know if it’s a typical thing. She said she can’t sign anything but one of her handlers told me to write my name and number in my book and said he’d get it signed, although it would take awhile. About an hour after the event, another handler came out with a stack full of books calling out our names. Booms weren’t personalized but very nice and cool she did that. Here’s a post to last week’s event https://solotravelgirl.com/my-photos-from-hillary-clintons-presidential-campaign-rally-in-tampa-july-22-2016/

    So, my advice to you is, if you have all day to stand in line, go for it. You’ll make new friends with others in line. The convention center may not allow food in or beverages. At the Tampa rally there was a food vendor outside and inside. Free bottled water was distributed by Clinton volunteers.

    Pack as little as possible because you’ll go through security. Bring an external battery for your phone!

    Have a great time!

  43. Thank you for tips, I am going to attend Hillary Clinton rally in Pittsburgh today. I have great time reading your post. Even though I can not vote, but I going with my son that is 10 years old, to teach him about politic and how important is your voice.

  44. I went to a rally for Obama and they wouldn’t let me take a paperback book in. It was insane, and I ended up having to toss it.

  45. Hi! I will be attending a trump rallie in mechanicsburg, PA today. Could you please let me know what time you think I should arrive to the venue to assure I get in? The rallie starts at 7pm and the doors open to the venue at 4pm. The venue seating is for around 3,800 people. Thank you in advance for your response!

  46. could you please tell me can I take my kindle with me to have something to do while I wait in line.

  47. Hello Margaret. Each venue has different rules for what’s brought in but from what I’ve seen, Kindles and tablets are fine. Be prepared for thorough security. The less yo have the quicker you’ll be able to pass through.

  48. Hi there I am going to a rally tomorrow and it starts at 4pm. What time should I arrive there ?

  49. Hello Denise.

    I’m not sure of the specifics or what you want to accomplish (to get inside or be in the front) but you can arrive as early as you’re willing to wait.

  50. Thanks for article. Another way to enjoy is by volunteering. Can meet those in charge or even the candidate!

  51. Hi,

    Thank you for your article. I’ll be attending my first rally tomorrow (Hillary) here in Reno. All the website and the confirmation e-mail say is that the event is from 10 to 12 and that the doors open at 10. I work from 8 to 5 and I’ll be taking my lunch early so I can go…considering that the doors open at 10, I was thinking about getting there at around 10:30, since she’ll probably come out at 11 if the event is from 10 to 12. What do you think about that? I’d really hate to go there during my lunch hour only to have to leave without seeing her. Is it crazy for me to want to go just to see her for a few minutes and then head back to the office? Is it even doable?

    Any advice/tips will be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

    -Victor

  52. Hello Victor.

    Thanks for visiting this post and no, it’s not crazy wanting to see her for a few minutes.

    Arriving at 10:30 may be cutting it close for getting in. Depends on the size of the venue and how many people the Fire Marshall will let in. Plus, you’ll need to go through security (bring as little with you as possible). Also, depends on how popular she is.

    If you can, you may want to arrive earlier. If you can’t arrive earlier, take your chances – you never know!

  53. Hi, I’m attending a Hillary Clinton rally here in Charlotte on Thursday, 9/8. Can I bring a Nikon DSLR with me?

  54. Hello STG,

    When I am searching some tip to find rally observer I found your wonderful post. I’m still neutral in a sense but am a keen observer. I recently bought a small RV, so I can drive to a rally place within 400 miles of radius almost in a moment of notice. Since you are an observer veteran, in your experience have you come across such like-minded RVier like me?

    Thanks again for your website!

    Jonathan

  55. Hi Steve. I was able to bring mine into a Hillary Clinton rally (in Tampa) with a zoom lens without a problem. I also had my Sony mirrorless. I just had to turn them on for security.

    I’ve been told and have seen in writing “professional-type cameras” are not allowed at Trump rallies.

    Enjoy the rally and the process!

  56. Hi Jonathan.

    That’s wonderful you have an RV to travel with! So far, I haven’t come across any RVers like you but they could exist. Keep me posted on your journeys and experience:)

  57. I’m planning on attending the President Obama rally tomorrow and I RSVP’d online last week. I read on one website (not an official Clinton one) that you could have picked up tickets (during a two hour window) today at the venue. I live hours away so that wasn’t possible. How are tickets generally handed out in your experience and are they available on the day of if you arrive super early? I was planning on arriving hours before the doors open so I can hopefully get in, but there’s no point in my driving down if I can’t even get tickets to even begin to try to get in. Thanks!

  58. Hi Kay.

    From my experience, they say tickets are required but I have yet to attend a rally where they collected tickets, including a rally with President Obama in 2012. But, at the last Clinton rally I attended they handed out forms and asked everyone to fill them out on site and called them tickets but it was a way to add supporters to their database.

    However, I don’t know the circumstances of tomorrow’s rally but THINK you should be ok arriving early.

    Plus, I learned that even if you have a ticket, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get in.

    Best of luck and have a great time!

  59. Great blog! There isn’t much out there on attending campaign rallies! I am planning on attending the Clinton Rally in Las Vegas on Wednesday at the Smith Center. The doors open at 5:30. Based on your experience, do you think getting in line by 2pm going to be early enough to guarantee that we get in? Also, if I am going with a group, can some members of your groups get out of line to purchase water, etc?

  60. Hello Crystal.

    Thanks for stopping by. 2 pm should give you plenty of time and it’s great you’re going with a group! From experience, they should be able to get out of line and get back in line – especially important for the bathroom!

    You may want to see if there are any restrictions about taking items into the venue, like food. Depends on whether there’s a food vendor inside selling food.
    Enjoy the event!

  61. Hi I’m going to the trump rally tomorrow in Palm beach.i got tickets but there on my phone did not print them.is it necessary that I do???

  62. Hi,

    I’m going to a Hillary Clinton Rally on Monday. Doors open at 10:30 and the event starts at 2:30. What time do you think I should get there so that I can be sure I get in? It’s in the Carr center at St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH.

    Thanks!

  63. Hi There, I am a Canadian who is a political enthusiast and inspired by President Obama. I also am for Hillary and would like to attend her Rally during my vacation in Orlando. Are non-Americans able to attend? Do I need to bring my passort or anything else? Is there a chance I won’t get in based on my Citizenship? I would not want to plan my trip around this and be disappointed.
    So any help would be great! Thanks.

  64. Hello Anjuna.

    Thank you for your email and dropping by. I’m thrilled to hear you’re Canadian and interested in our process. From my experience, I have never seen or heard of citizenship being checked at rallies. In fact, it seems as though more the merrier including non-Americans. They may ask you to fill out a “ticket” to enter, which is a way to build their database and not really an admission ticket. Arrive early to be sure you get in and bring as little as possible because you’ll need to pass through security. Enjoy the event!

  65. Hey, im attending a Hillary rally this Friday with my mother and i was wondering if i had to RSVP, or if i could just go without any notice or ticket?

  66. Hello Joe! I don’t know how large the venue is but from my experience, none of the rallies I’ve attended collected tickets or looked at RSVP lists so you should be ok as long as you arrive early. Enjoy the prices!

  67. The doors for the Obama rally in Orlando open at 3. What time should I get there? I was thinking of 12. Is that enough time? I am bringing my kids, ages ten and thirteen too.

  68. Hello Erin. Thanks for dropping by. From my experience, yes, but are you planning on bringing your baby? If so. Be prepare for it to be a crowded event and if outside, prepare for the elements. Also, you’ll need to go through security so be prepared for that. Large bags are discouraged.

  69. Hello, I am attending a Hillary rally tomorrow and received an email that said to not bring any bags. I am a college student and anticipating hours and hours of waiting to get into the rally (there are people camping out and ticket sales have been halted because of the demand). I’d like to bring school work and snacks, but won’t be able to if I cannot bring a bag. Do you think I could bring a cross body or a tote bag that security could easily look inside? With no pockets or anything? Just to be able to easily transport my computer and a textbook. Thank you!

  70. If i want to be in front for a rally for Hillary at 6:30 what time should i be there? And can i bring my camera its a Nikon?Thank you.

  71. Hi Taylor. If they specifically said no bags, you shouldn’t bring one – but, you could run it back to your car if you have it with you while you wait. The other attendees will most likely save your spot. I’m sure others will be in your situation. Enjoy the event!

  72. Hi Kiara. You’d want to be there as early as possible so by mid-morning to early afternoon. Depends on how much time you have to spare. Unless they specified no cameras you should be ok – be prepared for airport-like security. Enjoy the rally!

  73. Hello, I was planning on attending the Trump Rally today in Hershey PA, but there is no way I can make it before 5pm.I have tickets, but that doesn’t seem to matter. Will it be a waste of time for me to go, or might there be big screens set up outside?

  74. Hi, I’m attending a trump rallying NH tomorrow. Doors open at 5pm and the event is at 8 pm. Will getting there at 2 ensure I can get good seats, or at least seats at all? The place seats around 11,000 people. TIA!!

  75. Hi! Any recommendation as to when to get to the Hillary Clinton rally in Philly tomorrow? It’ll include Hillary, Bill, both Obamas, AND Bon Jovi. Doors open at 4. The venue is Independence Hall; I don’t know if it’ll be an indoor or outdoor event. Thanks so much for your advice!

  76. Thanks very much for your informative post. I registered to attend the final pre-election Clinton rally in Philadelphia tomorrow. But… my plan is to bring my 19-month toddler son with me. I try to expose him to lots of different environments, events, and cultures, and since we live within walking distance of the venue and it sounds like attendance may be impacted by the public transit strike currently happening in Philly, I figured I might as well take this opportunity. But do you think this is a terrible idea to bring a toddler? It looks like the entrances open at 4, and the rally is 7:30-8:30. I was thinking I would wear him in a carrier on my back (for traveling to and from, and for times when it seems like he might be safer or happier strapped to me). But given how long I could be standing in line, and given that it looks like I should also bring water, snacks, dinner, etc, then perhaps it would be better to bring him in the stroller? Have you seen many small children at rallies, and if so, how did the parents carry/corral the kids? Have you noticed if strollers are even permitted? Is there any other advice you can offer regarding bringing kids? Do you think that the culture at rallies in general is welcoming to kids? Thanks very much for any advice can offer.

  77. Hi Leelee. It depends on how much time you have. Not knowing specifics and if it’s outdoors, if you want to get a good seat, I’d get there no later than noon. Security will be tight and I’ve heard of people waiting 24 hours in advance to get in. Enjoy!

  78. Hi Stephanie. That’s great you want to take your son with you and expose him to this. I don’t know him or you but it sounds like you’d be waiting in line a long time with him. From what I’ve experienced, the atmosphere is conducive to families but I’ve rarely seen kids at events. Strollers are most likely permitted – be prepared for airport-like security. If you bring a bag with you with lots of things in it, security will go through the bag by hand. Since you live within walking distance you can gauge the transportation situation for others but remember, just because you register doesn’t mean you’ll get in (unless they issued you a specific ticket that you needed to pick up).

    I suppose the best advice I can offer is to consider if this wasn’t a political rally, would you be bringing him and going through all it? (Meaning, waiting in line then waiting once inside).

  79. We attended a Trump event in Loveland. Got our tickets on line and got to the event 3 1/2 hours early and we were shocked at the long line! It was exciting and fun. Once in the event, we did not have to show I D or our printed ticket. We walked thru an airport like device and headed to our seats.

    Our friend attended a Hillary event and had to show their ID. Why is an ID required to go in to see the candidate (Obama same) but not required to vote for the Dems. I already know the answer— how else can they cheat

  80. I just wanted to say thank you for your November 6 reply to my questions about taking my toddler son to a rally. It was awesome of you to find the time answer so thoughtfully and so quickly, and the thoughts you shared were very helpful in helping me decide what to do.

Comments are closed.

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