Hillary Clinton supporters are suiting up to the polls this morning in homage to the Democratic candidate's signature look.
The movement is led by Pantsuit Nation, a “secret,” invite-only group on Facebook that has amassed over 2 million members in just 18 days.
Don't boo - vote! ????#ImWithHer #electionday pic.twitter.com/WPIgGPZSLb
— Drew Isserlis Kramer (@DrewKrama) November 8, 2016
The group's organizing efforts didn't go unnoticed by the Clinton campaign and eventually, the presidential hopeful herself. This afternoon, Jenna Lowenstein, digital director at Hillary for America, posted a letter she says was penned by Clinton.
Dear Pantsuit Nation (have you ever heard a better name?!),
On this historic day, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support from the bottom of my heart.
This election hasn't been easy: It's been long, hard-fought, and at times it made us question who we are as Americans. For some of you, it's been difficult to feel like you could wear your support on your sleeve -- and that's why this community has been such a special place. Your stories and photos of family members and friends are wonderful to see, but what truly warms my heart is the thousands of comments of support and love you all send to each other. I'm honored and humbled to have all of you with me, but I'm even prouder to see this community represent the best of America: people of all backgrounds and beliefs who share a vision for a brighter future for our children, and who have each other's backs. That's who we really are, and tonight, we're going to prove it.
Thank you all so much for your support, your hard work, and your votes. Tonight, I hope we'll finally break through that highest, hardest glass ceiling together, and use those pantsuits for the best occasion of all -- celebrating!
-H
Libby Chamberlain says she started the Facebook group with a simple mission to promote wearing pantsuits to the polls, but it has become more than just that.
"It really evolved into a space that’s far away from the toxic vitriol of the election," Chamberlain told ABC News.
Instead, the group calls for sharing positive messages and personal stories.
My son has come with me every election day. Every. One. He has never seen me cry while voting. I was surprised, too. #pantsuitnation pic.twitter.com/mKwTFUgmfD
— Aymie Walshe (@AymieWalshe) November 8, 2016
The American Psychological Association points to the 2016 election as a potential source of stress.
“Election stress becomes exacerbated by arguments, stories, images and video on social media that can heighten concern and frustration, particularly with thousands of comments that can range from factual to hostile or even inflammatory,” Lynn Bufka, APA's associate executive director for practice research and policy, said in a news release.
Ready to elect @HillaryClinton in Florida! #turnout #pantsuitnation #ImWithher pic.twitter.com/ZcMpVhMoCD
— Bonnie (@bonniecasillas) November 8, 2016
This, founder Chamberlain says, explains why the group is so popular. It's a safe space for those genuinely excited about the Clinton campaign and the prospect of her presidency.
"I think that there was a real lack of attention being paid to this group of people who are really firmly in support of secretary Clinton and enthusiastic about her and not just thinking of her as the candidate against their opponent," she said.
#ImWithHer #TheFutureisFemale #pantsuitnation pic.twitter.com/wK2QVm8KfJ
— SL | SL (@slsterlingsgold) November 8, 2016
"The media narrative has been that people don’t like her but there’s a huge group of people that are enthusiastic about her. So when this space came into being, people flocked to it. We think that she’s incredible and that she’s an unprecedented candidate in terms of her preparation and her experience and her vision for the country," Chamberlain added.
Many in the group are wearing white pantsuits in particular, because white was the official color of the women's suffrage movement.
"It’s been amazing to see the growth of the group, the overall positivity and lack of hostility, the theme of love and kindness that Hillary Clinton speaks about and her campaign speeches have shown," Chamberlain said.