Demonstrators assembled at dozens of “No Kings” rallies in San Diego County throughout the day Saturday to protest the Trump administration and encourage voters to cast their ballots as early as possible.
The events varied from walking to the polls to mutual-aid donation drives and hanging signs from freeway overpasses, but each one was intended to reflect its neighborhood, according to organizers.
Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-San Diego, appeared at an event in East County and posted a message on social media.
“So many fired up people at the No Kings March in La Mesa today! In America, WE have the power — not kings — so make your voice heard at the ballot box by November 3rd,” Jacobs posted.
The county’s No Kings events were spread across local communities rather than concentrated in one massive downtown rally. Organizers planned 21 events across the region, combining demonstrations with voter-registration assistance, ballot drop-offs, neighborhood walks and community activities.
Events were organized in communities including Ocean Beach, La Jolla, Mira Mesa, University City, El Cajon, Chula Vista, Vista, Oceanside, Fallbrook and Ramona.
The format was intentionally decentralized, so there was no single crowd to count, according to organizers.
Wendy Gelernter, a member of the San Diego United Organizing Committee, said Saturday’s events were different.
“Why? Because those rallies were about showing the size and diversity of our movement, and we did! Oct. 17 is about putting that power to work: encouraging our friends and neighbors to vote, and to vote early,” she said.
“Smaller, local events give us the best opportunity to connect directly with voters and share both the importance and the joy of voting.”
