With less than a month until the 2026 elections, protesters gathered at Pacific Avenue on Saturday for the latest in the series of “No Kings” demonstrations around the U.S.
The event, part of a national movement against President Donald Trump’s administration, included a booth to help attendees register to vote, an emphasis for this series of protests.
“The event today is about voting, and especially right now in American history and the present politics,” said Dawn Griep, an organizer for Indivisible of San Joaquin County. “We’re just trying to vote to save democracy.”
Orrganizers also gave attendees information about ballot measures and candidates.
“We’re sharing all of that information here,” said Aileen Franco, an administrator for the Indivisible Stockton Facebook page who also organizes a weekly Thursday vigil for people taken in immigration-related sweeps. “Right now, our biggest concern is getting people to vote, get out and vote.”
One attendee, Brian Payne, hoped that those who drove past who felt alone would be more willing to get out and vote.
“To see people out here, you know, kind of gives you some kind of resolve.” he said.
While “No Kings” events are not formally aligned with a political party, San Joaquin County Democratic Party chair Manuel Zapata also attended the demonstration.
“There’s so many people in our society that get frustrated and completely turn off to voting, and that’s not helpful at all.” said Zapata. “I’m glad that when people come out here, they push the good word to make sure people vote and to actually change what’s going on.”
The protest drew less than 100 people — “less than usual but positive,” said one attendee, Jennifer Payne, who had also been to five previous events. Griep also noted that weekly protests at Pacific and Yokuts had also been “holding strong at about a dozen to 15 people,” though with no shortage of dedication.
“It just brings a little bit of life and light, and you know, just hope that there are other people in the community standing up for you too.” said Griep “We’re gonna stand up so it doesn’t change us, regardless of if we actually change something.”
Several of the more consistent attendees, Griep pointed out, skewed older and had a longer history of activism; sisters-in-Law Leila and Cris Nelson, both 86, also both served in the Peace Corps in the 1960s.
“We have these skills, but now our bodies are fighting us,” said Cris Nelson, who had several protest signs stowed in a walker. “This is one thing we can do: bring our bodies out with our chairs and have a little more energy.”
Griep mentioned a recent surge of activity by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Stockton as one factor driving protesters to take part. Others were quick to make reference to the conditions endured by migrants who are capture by Immigration enforcement.
“It’s so cruel, awful, and evil,” said Leila Nelson, who cited the reportedly poor living conditions, lack of food, and abuse suffered by migrants in detention centers. “it’s a really critical thing that we need to get rid of.”
Some attendees cited Trump’s recent comments regarding California, including his remark that Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego.
“He makes dangerous comments, he might not be intending to stand by them, but people who are less stable than him might even follow through on things.” Payne said.
While the Stockton protest went as organizers planned, at the national level organizers accused the tech company Meta of wrongfully shuttering the “No Kings” Instagram account, which was taken offline in the midst of the nearly 3,000 protests around the US.