Voting is one of the main messages of the latest No Kings protest, taking place on Saturday, Oct. 17 in Salinas, Monterey and Big Sur as well as at more than 2,500 protests and marches across the country.
"Power does not belong to billionaires, strongmen or politicians who believe they are above accountability," organizers of the national No Kings event said in promotional materials. "Power belongs to the people, but only if we use it."
The emphasis will be on voting early, to avoid any issues that arise in the days leading up to Election Day on Nov. 3.
National organizers have said the protests will be nonpartisan and will not focus on candidate endorsements. Active campaigning will be prohibited.
The protest in Salinas takes place from noon to 2pm at the intersection of South Main Street and Blanco Road.
The Monterey protest, happening from 2-4pm at Window on the Bay, will include speakers and a short performance of "It Can't Happen Here Again!" based on Sinclair Lewis' 1935 satirical dystopian novel, It Can't Happen Here, performed by cast members of Readers Theater, who will be accompanied by local protest band Rabble.
Afterward, protesters will walk together to the Monterey County Elections Dropbox in front of the Monterey Public Library. Participants are encouraged to bring their filled-in ballots.
In Big Sur, the protest will happen from 4-6pm, meeting at the Cooper Cabin Trailhead in Andrew Molera State Park. Organizers said some chairs will be available. They are encouraging people to bring hats and water.