Brentin Mock writes at Colorlines: “Helen Guthrie, 69, leaned against a tree in downtown Raleigh earlier this month, holding a sign that read ‘Respect Our Vote! Save Early Voting, Good for Democracy.’ She smiled as throngs of ralliers of multiple generations and races marched past her in the annual ‘HKonJ’ rally, organized by a coalition of social justice groups including the NAACP. A few police officers stood less than a block away from Guthrie, in front of their cars, largely unconcerned with the protesters who chanted, ‘Ready to go! Fired up!’ as they strode by.”