No Kings to host early voting event in Sturgis this weekend

Community members are invited to gather at Memorial Park in Sturgis this weekend for a volunteer-organized event encouraging voter participation ahead of the November 3 election. 

The event, scheduled for Saturday, October 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m., is part of a nationwide effort by the No Kings movement to encourage early voting and increase voter turnout. 

The event marks the next step for the No Kings movement, which has organized large-scale demonstrations across the country over the past year in opposition to President Donald Trump and his administration. 

“For more than a year, millions of people have come together to reject the idea that power belongs to kings, billionaires, or politicians who believe they are above the people and the law,” event organizers wrote. “Now, we are taking the next step, turning people power into voter power.”

Unlike previous No Kings demonstrations, Saturday’s event is not intended to be just a protest. Instead, organizers are encouraging nonpartisan voter participation by bringing community members together to make plans to vote early and learn about their voting options. 

The Sturgis gathering is described as a nonpartisan visibility event that will take place on the sidewalks surrounding Memorial Park, located on Neuman Street. 

Participants are encouraged to bring flags and signs with messages promoting voter turnout. Organizers also recommend bringing water and lawn chairs if desired. 

“No one person gets to decide our leaders before voters do. On October 17th, join us in local events across the country as we get out the early vote and say it loud: no thrones, no crowns, no kings,” organizers wrote. 

The event comes just over two weeks before Michigan voters head to the polls for the November 3 general election. 

Michigan voters have several options for casting their ballots, including voting by absentee ballot, participating in early in-person voting, or voting at their assigned polling place on Election Day. 

Under Michigan law, communities must offer at least nine consecutive days of early in-person voting for statewide and federal elections. For the November 3 election, that mandatory early voting period begins Saturday, October 24 and runs through Sunday, November 1. 

Eligible voters can also request absentee ballots and return them before Election Day. Voters can find information about their registration status, polling locations, absentee voting, and early voting sites through the Michigan State website voter information page.

Although the No Kings movement has largely been associated with demonstrations against the Trump administration, organizers emphasize that the October 17 events are intended to encourage participation from all eligible voters, regardless of political affiliation. 

Organizers also emphasize a commitment to nonviolent action, asking participants to act lawfully and de-escalate potential confrontations with those who disagree with them. Weapons of any kind are prohibited at the events under organizers’ rules. 

The event is free to attend and is scheduled to conclude at 1:30 p.m. 

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.