HAGERSTOWN, Md. — A few hundred protesters gathered in downtown Hagerstown on Saturday, Oct. 17, for the city’s fourth “No Kings” protest. Led by local activist groups such as Washington County Indivisible, the event featured music, speeches and presentations, along with a few activity and vendor booths.
On Hagerstown’s Public Square, a small stage and information booth were set up to host performances and speeches. Just across the road on the Washington Street side, Washington County Indivisible had an information booth offering Krumpe’s Donuts to attendees. Demonstrators also set up photo ops and a “quilt of kindness,” where protesters could color a square and write a positive message.
This is the fourth “No Kings” protest Hagerstown has seen, attracting hundreds each time. Demonstrators held signs voicing their opinions about the current presidential administration as well as criticisms of local government officials. Ahead of the November general election, participation in local elections was also a strong message at the protest.
One speaker, co-founder of Washington County Indivisible, Eric Schwartz, spoke to the crowd, “It’s wonderful to be here, it’s fantastic to see so many people supporting democracy, supporting our community, our freedoms. This is how we do it … vote early.”
Election Day is Nov. 3, with early voting in Maryland Oct. 22-29. For more information about voting, readers should visit elections.maryland.gov/voting/early_voting.html.
