HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — On Wednesday, “Biden for President Virginia” launched a “Health Care Is On The Ballot” early voting tour headlined by Kamala Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, in Richmond and Hampton Roads.
Emhoff started off in Henrico County before continuing the tour in Hampton Roads, attending a Health Care Is On The Ballot lit drop launch with Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02), Congressman Bobby Scott, former Virginia State Treasurer and Virginia Beach mayoral candidate Jody Wagner, and Norfolk Councilwoman Andria McClellan.
Emhoff arrived in Norfolk around 3 p.m.
With less than two weeks to go to Election Day, Emhoff said they’re working hard to remind voters about the important issues when heading at the polls, starting with healthcare.
Emhoff spoke to supporters and said the Affordable Care Act is at stake in the election.
“People need it. It’s working and it’s life or death so people are scared, and they’re scared about losing their healthcare, especially during a pandemic,” Emhoff said.
Congressman Scott reminded voters what healthcare looked like before the ACA passed.
“Those with pre-existing conditions paid a lot more if they could get any insurance at all,” he said.
The crowd also heard from people in the Norfolk community who shared personal experiences dealing with healthcare in America.
“At the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, all patients want to be treated like they matter,” said Melody Armstrong, one of the speakers and a nurse educator at Norfolk State University.
As Nov. 3 approaches, Emhoff said they’re pushing full speed ahead.
“I’m not thinking about polls. I’m not taking anything for granted, nor is the campaign. That’s why we’re here in Virginia. We’re going to work hard to earn every vote,” he said.
He encouraged people to vote early and to remember healthcare at the polls.
“Vote like your lives really depend on it,” Emhoff said.
