Hundreds of protesters gathered across North Texas on Saturday for “No Kings” demonstrations aimed at President Donald Trump, with organisers urging voters to take their opposition to the ballot box as early voting approached.
Rallies were held in Dallas, Denton, Frisco, Plano, Southlake and Arlington, bringing together demonstrators concerned about the direction of the country and the future of Texas.
The events came two days before early voting was due to begin in the state for the November 3 midterm election. Voting in person is scheduled to run from Monday, October 19, to Friday, October 30.
No Kings protests focus on early voting
In Dallas, demonstrator Rick Silvestre said he had attended to reject what he described as the president’s belief that he was above the public.
“I cast down the guy that’s infested the White House. He thinks he’s a king,” Mr Silvestre said.
This year’s demonstrations placed a stronger emphasis on voter participation than previous protests. Organisers described the North Texas event as a non-partisan effort to help eligible voters make plans to cast their ballots early.
Ellen Sailor Santini, another protester, said turnout was particularly important in Texas, where she argued that Democratic voters needed to participate in greater numbers.
“I want to encourage people to vote. That’s one of our rights,” she said.
Participants also raised concerns about immigration enforcement, healthcare, LGBTQ+ rights and women’s rights. Robert Wilford said what he called the “mass immigration roundup” was his most pressing concern.
Protesters voice concerns over Texas politics
For some demonstrators, the rallies were as much about the state’s political future as the presidency.
Alexander Anasian said protesters wanted leaders who cared about Texans, while accusing Mr Trump and his political allies of undermining democracy. His comments referred to Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The North Texas events formed part of a wider day of “No Kings: Vote Early” actions across the United States. Organisers said more than 1,500 events had been planned nationwide, including rallies, neighbourhood gatherings, voter-registration efforts and workshops on election protection.
The movement’s Dallas organisers said the protests were intended to remain peaceful and to exercise participants’ First Amendment rights.
The White House has rejected the movement’s message. A spokesperson told USA Today that organisers’ emphasis on voting suggested they should change the name of the demonstrations, while arguing that Republicans offered voters the stronger choice in November.
