Politics
Boston-area ‘No Kings’ groups turn Saturday’s action toward early-voting outreach
Hundreds of community-led events are planned across Massachusetts for Saturday, the first day of early voting, with activities ranging from group trips to polling sites to voter-rights trainings. Organizers say the effort aims to turn past mass demonstrations into voter participation close to home.
Boston-area “No Kings” organizers are planning a statewide day of neighborhood events on Saturday, Oct. 17, the first day of early voting in Massachusetts. Rather than a large rally on Boston Common, the effort will focus on helping people participate in the election and learn about voting, organizers said.
Planned activities include group walks and rides to early-voting locations, voter registration drives, know-your-rights trainings, art activities, block parties and concerts. Organizers also plan community sessions about responding to potential threats to voting rights.
“We’ve marched and rallied. Now we vote,” said Rebecca Winter, executive director of Mass 50501. She said the coalition is asking people to take part in their own neighborhoods and bring family and friends. Winter cited an estimate that 180,000 people gathered on Boston Common during a demonstration the previous March.
Among the Boston events, Boston Indivisible is organizing a community voting gathering in Allston and Brighton from 10 a.m. to noon. Mass 50501 plans an “Authoritarian House of Horrors” near the Boston Common Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. True North Action Alliance Boston will host “No Kings Soap Box to the Ballot Box” at the corner of Marlborough and Berkeley streets from 1 to 3 p.m. A map of events is available through the No Kings Boston Coalition.
The coalition includes volunteer groups Boston Indivisible, Mass 50501 and True North Action Alliance Boston. Organizers say each event will offer a way to take part in election participation or protection efforts.
The No Kings movement describes its events as nonviolent and nonpartisan, and says it does not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties. The movement’s name reflects its stated principle that no one is above the law and political power belongs to the public. Previous demonstrations have criticized President Donald Trump, with participants arguing that his actions are authoritarian.
In New Hampshire, NH 50501 plans a “No Kings: Just Voters” rally at the State House Plaza in Concord from noon to 3 p.m. The event is scheduled to include speakers, live music and organizations working on issues including voting rights, immigrant support and civic engagement.