No Kings protests across Connecticut focus on voting and early turnout

Hundreds of people gathered at dozens of “No Kings” protests across Connecticut on Saturday. Organizers said the demonstrations focused on voting and democracy just weeks before the midterm elections.

In Bridgeport, about 70 people gathered at Ash Creek Bridge before marching toward the federal building downtown. Elected officials, activists, educators and residents raised concerns about immigration enforcement, school funding, voting rights, discrimination and federal leadership.

“Don’t let bad humans keep you from voting.”

In New Haven, about 200 people gathered on the Green for what organizers described as a nonpartisan effort to promote early voting. Four attendees carried umbrellas painted with “VOTE,” and a service dog wore a sign reading “Don’t let bad humans keep you from voting.”

Partisan messages were also visible at the New Haven gathering. Some signs criticized President Donald Trump’s economic and immigration policies, while others praised Democrats including former Vice President Kamala Harris. One sign called White House adviser Stephen Miller a “malignant polyp.”

Maggie Marcarelli of Greater New Haven Indivisible said the group organized the event with Greater Westville Indivisible and Indivisible Amity. She said 275 people had registered through the No Kings network.