No Kings Protests Planned Across Collin County Area Ahead of Early Voting

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews

McKINNEY, Texas — Nine No Kings demonstrations are planned across Collin County and nearby communities Saturday, October 17, as organizers place greater emphasis on voter participation ahead of Monday’s start of early voting in Texas.

Demonstrations are planned in McKinney, Plano, Allen, Frisco, Wylie and Farmersville. Most will take place at major intersections, while a separate McKinney event will feature a six-stop vehicle caravan through the city.

The demonstrations are part of the nationwide No Kings movement, which opposes President Donald Trump and what participants describe as executive overreach and threats to constitutional checks and balances.

Sarah Trammel Hustwit, a Collin County Democratic Party protest organizer coordinating the McKinney caravan, said Saturday’s events are intended to encourage residents to participate in the November 3 general election.

“We’ve been raising our voices, protesting what our elected officials have been doing [or not doing] for over a year. Now it’s time to make our voices heard at the ballot box,” Hustwit told TX3DNews.

From Protests to the Ballot Box

Saturday’s demonstrations come two days before early voting begins Monday, October 19.

Hustwit said opposition to the Trump administration remains a motivating factor, but increasing voter participation is the primary focus this weekend.

“Of course, the administration is continuing to behave abominably, so people will continue to protest that,” Hustwit said. “However, the focus of these No Kings events is increasing voter turnout.”

Organizers plan to provide information about voting locations, how to look up ballots, check voter registration and access a voter protection hotline to ask questions or report problems.

Hustwit said organizers also hope to reach independent voters and residents who have not previously been politically active. The demonstrations are intended to introduce people to civic participation rather than simply bring together those already involved in politics.

She acknowledged that previous demonstrations have not changed legislation organizers oppose but said they have helped bring new activists into the movement. Organizers hope that involvement will translate into more voter outreach and greater participation in elections.

The emphasis on voting is also reflected in remarks from Democratic congressional candidate Evan Hunt, who is challenging Republican Rep. Keith Self in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District.

“Bring an American flag. Bring a friend, bring your signs, and bring your determination to turn this energy into votes,” Hunt wrote in a Friday social media post.

Hunt criticized what he called executive overreach and encouraged peaceful demonstrations. He also invited participants to contact his campaign for literature and slate cards.

Smaller Demonstrations, Different Approach

Rather than holding one large gathering, organizers have scheduled smaller events across several communities, with start times staggered to allow participants to attend more than one.

“Our goal was to have smaller events in bunch of locations instead of one big event,” Hustwit said.

The McKinney vehicle caravan, running from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., will make six stops throughout the city. Participants can join at different points along the route.

Hustwit said organizers initially envisioned placing small groups at intersections throughout McKinney to remind residents about voting.

“We had the vision of handfuls of people on every street corner reminding people to get out and vote,” she said.

The caravan also offers an alternative for participants who may have difficulty standing for extended periods or spending time outdoors.

“People who are sensitive to temperature or might not be able to stand for long periods of time might find this an easier format,” Hustwit said.

Organizers held a sign-making gathering last weekend, producing messages such as “Vote Early” and “Your Vote Matters.” Similar messages will decorate vehicles participating in the caravan.

Collin County Democratic Party committee members are organizing six of Saturday’s demonstrations. The Allen Democrats are coordinating the Allen event, while separate local organizers are responsible for the Frisco and afternoon McKinney gatherings.

Where No Kings Demonstrations Are Planned Saturday

Frisco: 9–11 a.m., FM 423 between Stonebrook Parkway and Old Newman Road.

McKinney: 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m., six-stop vehicle caravan throughout the city. A second demonstration will take place from 2:30–4:30 p.m. at the northwest corner of U.S. 75 and University Drive (U.S. 380).

Plano: 10 a.m.–noon, northeast corner of Preston Road and Parker Road. A second demonstration will take place from 12:30–2:30 p.m. at the southwest corner of 15th Street and Custer Road.

Wylie: 10 a.m.–noon, corner of FM 544 and Highway 78. A second demonstration will take place from 12:30–2:30 p.m. at Wylie High School.

Allen: 12:30–2:30 p.m., southwest corner of U.S. 75 and Stacy Road.

Farmersville: 3–5 p.m., across Farmersville Parkway from CBT Bank.

Organizers say Saturday’s demonstrations will combine opposition to the Trump administration with an effort to encourage voter participation ahead of Monday’s start of early voting.