On Saturday, October 17, the No Kings Coalition held its fourth nationwide protest. This round of protests was focused on the importance of voting in the upcoming midterm elections. The goal was to encourage citizens to vote early. Around 3,000 events were planned across the nation, which marked it as the largest single day early voting activation in the history of the United States.
Although past No Kings events focused on sending a message to President Trump and his administration, this time around protesters took to the streets to stress the importance of voting. The No Kings Coalition says its goal is to ensure every valid vote is counted, certified, and protected. Some attendees expressed concerns about a repeat of the 2020 election, when President Trump claimed the results were false. The No Kings Coalition believes a high turnout Nov. 3 will make the results indisputable.
Nearly 600 people showed up to the Lancaster-based rally. Protesters lined the North Duke Street bridge to urge drivers to vote on Nov. 3. Many held signs stressing the need to vote, while others openly expressed their disdain for the Trump administration. The event was hosted by Indivisible Lancaster County. Members of Indivisible Lancaster County had tables set up in Stauffers Park to educate attendees about the deadlines for voter registration and mail-in registration.
The No Kings Coalition intends to carry the momentum of Saturday forward into Election Day. The coalition has two goals leading up to election day; encouraging every eligible voter to cast their vote by Nov. 3, and preparing to rapidly respond in the case of election interference.
On Oct. 21, No Kings is hosting a virtual talk about how citizens can support its goals. Organizers say they want everyone to be prepared in the event of an attempt to interfere or discredit election results.
The No Kings Coalition believes that the people’s voices have been heard, but now it is time to take action by showing up to the voting polls. In the 2022 midterm elections, less than 50% of eligible voters participated in the election. Many people do not vote in the midterm elections even if they vote in the presidential elections. The No Kings Coalition is working to change this trend and have citizens utilize their constitutional right to vote.
