The crowd assembled along the sidewalks and streets near North Meridian and East 46th streets, where speakers emphasized voter participation as early voting was underway. The Indianapolis event was one of more than 3,000 marches and other gatherings organized nationally by a coalition of local and national groups, according to NPR.

Some attendees said they came to protest the Trump administration. Krystal Douglas, who traveled from Kokomo with the group Handmaids of Indiana, said she and a friend started the group about a year ago.

“People need to be voting for their lives. Like their lives depend on it, because it does,” Douglas said.

Phil Kramer, of Carmel, said he wanted younger people to become more involved. “It’s not hopeless,” he said. “We all need to pitch in together, young and old to change this situation.”

Corey Dick, of Indianapolis, said his 16-year-old daughter, Anna, suggested attending. He said participating could help foster her interest in civic life. Anna Dick said she wanted to speak up for LGBTQ friends whom she believes are affected by state and federal policy changes.

“When me and my friends talk about [politics] a lot of the time, we talk about how we wish we could do something, like change our country for the better, so that’s why I’m out here,” she said.

Indiana has enacted policies restricting transgender people’s lives since 2022, including a ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

The No Kings organization has described the demonstrations as a nonpartisan effort to encourage voter participation. The name reflects organizers’ objections to what they view as President Donald Trump’s use of executive power; Trump has rejected comparisons between his leadership and a monarchy. The Oct. 17 gathering followed three earlier nationwide No Kings protests since he returned to office.

It was not clear whether Braun was at the residence during the rally. The Republican governor also regularly stays at his home in Jasper and is not up for reelection until 2028. He supports Trump’s policies, including on immigration enforcement and energy.

All Indiana ballots in the Nov. 3 general election will include races for secretary of state, comptroller, treasurer and U.S. representative, as well as proposed constitutional amendments. Depending on where they live, voters may also see school board races, tax referendums and county sheriff contests.