By Thurston Chronicle staff
Olympia Indivisible and Evergreen Resistance have announced plans for a “No Kings IV” protest on Saturday, Oct. 17, along with a “Ballot Drop March” on the state Capitol Campus.
“Olympia Indivisible and Evergreen Resistance, along with multiple coalition partners, are excited to invite all concerned neighbors and friends to come together peacefully on Oct. 17 for a morning Ballot Drop March and an afternoon gathering on the State Capitol Campus,” the groups wrote in a news release. “They urge everyone to follow the advice of the Washington Secretary of State to vote early and to use ballot drop boxes. These are among several events happening across the Olympia area, as well as all across the country.”
A statement attributed to an Olympia Indivisible organizer stated: “It is so important to get the word out to everyone, regardless of their affiliation, that their ballot needs to be turned in early, via a ballot drop box and not via USPS mailboxes, and that they learn and understand how to track their ballot once it’s been submitted.”
Calling the planned events “nonpartisan,” organizers said gathering will include information on “voting early, using ballot drop boxes and not USPS mailboxes, tracking your ballot and learning how to protect the election after voting. All are welcome and encouraged to support democracy by voting — so please, no electioneering for candidates or ballot initiatives.”
Additional details from the news release:
- Join the Ballot Drop March from Lions Park (800 Wilson St. SE) to the Atrium Building (3000 Pacific Ave. SE). Gather at Lions Park by 9:45 a.m., with the intention of being at the Atrium by 10:30 a.m. for ballot drop and remarks from Thurston County Auditor Mary Hall. The march will then return to Lions Park. Those who do not wish to march are welcome to go directly to the County Building and join us there. Auditor Hall with greet us at 10:30, then we will return to the park along Martin Way, arriving in time to allow those interested in participating in the No Kings sign waving at the Capitol.
- Join the sign waving at the Capitol Campus from noon to 2 p.m. The sign-waving event will include music, chanting, and tables to help voters get engaged, determine next steps, and figure out how to keep the momentum going in the weeks leading up to the general election. As with all past events, this is a nonviolent expression of the power of “we the people.”
- Volunteer in advance of the event. It takes a lot of helping hands to pull off huge rallies! There are many ways you can help before, during, and after. All you need is the willingness to help — we’ll find the right fit to plug you in. Send an email to Communications@olympiaindivisible.org with the subject line: “Help with No Kings IV.”
- There are other events happening. Including bannering at overpasses along Interstate 5, and other sign waving events across the area.
