Local community members and organizations gathered together in front of Binghamton's federal building Wednesday with one clear message.

"Every vote counts. We need to defend our democracy," said Janet Beal, a local resident.

Rallies like this are happening across the country. In this year's unique election, votes are coming in many different ways.

"If it was mailed in, if it was done absentee, however someone exercised their franchise, we need to count it," said Nicole Sirju-Johnson, the Broome-Tioga NAACP president. "Because the system is a legitimate one if you exercise it and work within it appropriately. And after what has happened, it's difficult to say 'OK, it no longer serves me, so suppress every vote that comes after.' "

In a presidential election that is tightly contested, organizers say it's more important than ever to count every vote.

"It's coming down to counties, so it's important that people know that you matter," said Sirju-Johnson.

And at the end of the day, that's what this group says it is advocating for.

"If you are in that community, you have to know and feel that you matter. And we want you to be validated regardless of which way you voted," Sirju-Johnson said.