Baltimoreans joined crowds from across the country Saturday for “No Kings” protests to urge people to vote just weeks away from the midterm elections.
While the message of the protests has mostly been centered around President Donald Trump, this time around, the event in Hampden offered nonpartisan voter education in a festival atmosphere.
The push was on to encourage people to take part in early voting, which runs from Oct. 22-29.
“Voting early is one of the things people can do to protect their vote,” said Marta Mills, a coordinator of the No Kings Rally in Hampden. “There have been a lot of instances of voter suppression and stealing ballots and that kind of thing.”
“If there is going to be any electoral sabotage, shenanigans will probably happen on the day of,” said Burkley, a volunteer.
The Indivisible Hampden-Medfield No Kings Rally was well attended. People held signs that signaled continued frustration with the current administration and anger about the increasing cost of living, high gas prices, and an unproductive partisan-divided Congress.
“Vote, don’t mope,” said Charlie Reighart, an activist. “If you want to participate in this country — which we are fortunately able to do — and not just complain, then you got to get out and vote.”
The League of Women Voters distributed voters’ guides, and volunteers informed voters about what’s on the ballot, how to register to vote, where the city’s nine early voting centers are located, and where to find the 35 drop boxes that are available.
“We are thinking that it is a good idea, this time, to vote early because things might get complicated,” said John Sanborn, a volunteer.
In the past, No Kings Rally protesters drew attention to the president and his policies, but as the November election draws closer, the rally evolved into a proactive push to get people to vote early, protect their ballot and make a difference.
Marylanders can register to vote during early voting, but only in person.
READ MORE:Hampden-Medfield No Kings rally urges early voting
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