'You're voting for democracy': Ex-Trump staffer's DNC speech asks GOP voters to think again

Former White House national security advisor Olivia Troye took the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Wednesday to explain why she resigned from the Trump-Pence Administration

The Republican said the same values that defined her political affiliation are the same reasons she is voting for Vice President Kamala Harris. She said she is terrified of a second term for former president Donald Trump.

"To my fellow Republican's you aren't voting for a Democrat you're voting for democracy. You aren't betraying your party you're standing up for our country," Troye said.

Troye, who left the White House in August 2020, wrote an Op-Ed piece for MSNBC where she detailed her distain for the former president, who she called "unhinged, dangerous and extreme."

The Democratic National Committee convention is in Chicago through Thursday and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday is scheduled to formally accept the party's nomination for the 2024 presidential election on Nov. 5.

Watch Olivia Troye's full 2024 DNC Speech

Democratic convention live updates: What time does the DNC start? What's the speaker lineup?

What to know about Olivia Troye

• Who is she? While serving as a White House Homeland Security official under the Trump-Pence admistration, Olivia Troye said she witnessed destruction and chaos firsthand. On her X bio, she said a second Trump term would only create more turmoil and will be voting for Harris in November.

• What role she plays: Troye is a Democratic National Convention speaker and a member of the Republicans for Harris coalition.

• Key quote: "To my fellow Republican's you aren't voting for a Democrat you're voting for democracy. You aren't betraying your party you're standing up for our country,"

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When and where is the DNC

The Democratic National Convention will take place from August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois.

The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will be the main venue for the DNC.

Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when the United Center saw President Bill Clinton was nominated for a second time.

How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC

The convention will air live on its website, from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.

USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.

What are the themes for each night of the DNC?

The DNC announced nightly themes for the convention. The title of the convention is "For the People, For Our Future."

Here are the themes for each night:

• Monday: "For the People"

• Tuesday: "A Bold Vision for America's Future"

• Wednesday: "A Fight for our Freedoms"

• Thursday: "For our Future"

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former Trump Homeland Security official explains her vote for Harris