About 30 people gathered along Range Avenue in Colby on Oct. 17 for a No Kings protest organized by the Thomas County Democratic Party, joining demonstrations held across the country.
The group stood in front of the Historic St. Thomas Apartments despite windy conditions, holding signs and encouraging passersby to take part in the upcoming election. Connie Davis, chair of the Thomas County Democratic Party, said 25 people had signed up beforehand, but not everyone signed in at the event.
“We had 25 signed up and then realized not everyone signed in, so we believe 30,” Davis said.
Davis pointed to the Northwest Kansas Democrats’ Facebook page for more information about the gathering and upcoming events. Ken Poland, whom Davis described as an older protester, drove past the group several times with a sign displayed on his car.
The protest’s message was part of a broader national “No Kings” movement. Participants in Colby also used the gathering to encourage residents to vote early and make their views known in the election.
Organizers also announced plans for residents to vote early together the following Wednesday, Oct. 21. The group planned to meet at the Thomas County Courthouse from noon to 1 p.m. and then go out to eat. Similar early-voting gatherings were planned in communities across western Kansas, according to Davis.
Davis said the group wanted to make it easier for people to participate in early voting and to encourage voters to make their choices before Election Day. The courthouse gathering was presented as a chance for residents to vote alongside others and continue the conversations started at the protest.
The Colby event was one of several demonstrations planned in communities around the country.