Nationwide No Kings protests push for historic early voting results

Nationwide No Kings protests push for historic early voting results.

Key points

• Contributing: Juliane Balog, South Bend Tribune; Jim Rosica and Kendal Asbury, Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
• In South Bend, Indiana, protesters gathered in Leeper Park around the Studebaker Electric Fountain.
• A few hundred individuals waved signs and American flags and rang cowbells outside the Sarasota Supervisor of Elections Office on Saturday.
• The more than 3, 000 actions focus on early voting and turnout rather than protesting like the previous three No Kings events.
• A highlight of Saturday's event at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee was the "Eyeball Brigade, " a crew of folks that donned papier-mâché eyeballs on their heads.

Millions of Americans are projected to gather in sizeable cities and small towns and vote early on Saturday, Oct. 17, in a continuation of the popular No Kings protests.

In Indianapolis, two groups plan to march to the governor's residence. In Michigan, one event will be Halloween-themed; another asks participants to bring signs and American flags. In downtown Phoenix, protesters plan to march to the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center to drop off their ballots.

Meanwhile, the more than 3, 000 actions focus on early voting and turnout rather than protesting like the previous three No Kings events. It drew millions of Americans into the streets at rallies in sizeable cities and small towns nationwide. Organizers remarked Saturday's events are anticipated to be smaller and the impact will be tough to determine until states release early voting numbers.

Public Citizen's Co-President Lisa Gilbert informed USA TODAY that the events are "a strategic move and a critical one to assist individuals exercise the most tangible aspect of their power that counters all the abuses we've been seeing. It is voting. So it's a massive day of voter participation, one where we are helping folks lean into voter power as a statement on what democracy is and should be."

Meanwhile, the No Kings protests have been a way for Americans to show their frustration with the Trump administration's policies. Voting is another way to create that statement, Gilbert stated.

"It's so critical that people vote, that they vote early, that we show in a landslide that this is not an acceptable way to govern, " she remarked.

Projected events include marches to the polls, voting information booths, speakers, and vehicle parades to voting locations.

In Atlanta, Black Voters Matter is hosting a party with food trucks and music before moving as a group to a polling location. In Ferndale, Michigan, and Eagle County, Colorado, participants in superhero costumes will ride in decorated bikes or wagons on their way to vote. In Chester, Pennsylvania, there will be a tailgate party at a ballot drop box location. Plenty of action locations are available online.

No Kings organizers remarked the goal is to create voter turnout so historically high that it would be hard for the Trump administration to claim there was fraud.

Notably, the White House dismissed the organizers, telling USA TODAY earlier this week that the fact that organizers are talking regarding voting indicates there is no king and no authoritarian administration.

In South Bend, Indiana, protesters gathered in Leeper Park around the Studebaker Electric Fountain. Anne Weisjohn remarked that, at this point, voting is the only power citizens have.

She remarked she is protesting to produce "our voices heard, that we need to stand up and get the change needed to preserve our democracy, and fight to make sure that our kids and our grandkids have a decent country in which to survive."

Notably, a highlight of Saturday's event at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee was the "Eyeball Brigade, " a crew of folks that donned papier-mâché eyeballs on their heads. Their message? "Eyes Are Watching."

"We want people to keep an eye on democracy, " Eyeball Brigade organizer Doug Schrock remarked. "Keep an eye on voting rights; keep an eye on ICE."

Meanwhile, a few hundred individuals waved signs and American flags and rang cowbells outside the Sarasota Supervisor of Elections Office on Saturday.

"Voting is nonpartisan, we're advocating for everyone to be able to vote in a free, fair and safe election, " remarked Sarah Parker, executive director of Voices for Florida Fund. "I don't choose whose rights I fight for based on political beliefs. We want everyone's voice to be heard, no matter your political affiliation. If there are attacks on voting, there are personal attacks on all individuals."

Contributing: Juliane Balog, South Bend Tribune; Jim Rosica and Kendal Asbury, Sarasota Herald-Tribune. SMS Facebook Twitter Email. Share your feedback to support improve our site! Share your feedback to support improve our site!

Taken together, the developments around nationwide No Kings protests push for historic early voting results point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.