Brattleboro Indivisible has staged several “No Kings” rallies over the past year, turning out thousands of marchers to downtown Brattleboro.
On Saturday, Oct. 17, the members of the group — along with hundreds of other Indivisible groups across the United States — are shifting the focus from the streets to the ballot box.
In what organizers call “a nationwide day of nonpartisan voter participation,” No Kings: Vote Early seeks to bring communities together “to ensure every eligible voter understands their options for how to vote and has the opportunity to make their voice heard.”
In Brattleboro, after a brief rally on the Common at noon, there will a short parade to the Municipal Center parking lot, where town residents will be able to vote early and register to vote if they have not done so.
Voters will be able to check their registration status, even if they don’t live in Brattleboro.
The theme of the event is “Use Your Superpower and Vote Early!” In keeping with past events in Brattleboro, a fair amount of whimsy is planned to leaven the seriousness of protecting democracy.
“Dress up as your favorite superhero and win a prize for best costume,” organizers wrote in a news release. “We’ll have live music, kids activities, a pet parade, apple cider, popcorn, and baked treats.
“The Good Trouble Street Choir will lead us in song, Bard Owl will rock us, the People’s Resistance Marching Band and the Sambaganza Band will lead the parade, and a musical guest duo will make a surprise appearance!”
Other events around the region
Indivisible Greater Falls, joined by Grafton’s Supporters of Democracy, plan No Kings: Vote Early events in Rockingham and Westminster on Oct. 17.
• Rockingham: Rockingham voters and their families are invited to gather at 10 a.m. at one of two locations: the Recreation Center (10 Playground Rd., off Williams Terrace) or the Wells Street playground. Participants will march on sidewalks through the neighborhood to bring their ballots to the dropbox next to Rockingham Town Hall in The Square.
Residents may join in as the group members make their way from either location: from Williams Terrace down the hill into The Square, or from Wells Street south on Atkinson Street to School Street and down the stairs to The Square.
Those who would prefer not to walk are invited to show up at Town Hall anytime before noon. Cider, doughnuts, and activities will be available for children. Creative costumes are encouraged.
• Westminster: An early voting rally takes place 10 a.m. to noon in front of the Westminster Town Hall at 3646 U.S. Rt. 5. There will be cider, doughnuts, music, “I voted” stickers, and a children’s activity.
“Our communities are strongest when everyone who is eligible to vote has a plan, knows their options, and follows through,” Meg Lucas, co-leader of Indivisible Greater Falls, said in a news release. “Ask three friends, family members, or neighbors to vote early with you!”
• Wilmington: A Vote Early event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Four Corners intersection.
• Chester: Event takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Chester town common.
Voting information
Ballots for the Tuesday, Nov. 3 general election have been mailed to all qualified Vermont voters as of the end of last week. Early ballots must be received at your town clerk’s office by close of business on Monday, Nov. 2. If you’re mailing your ballot, allow a week for delivery.
If you decide to vote in person on Election Day, bring your ballot with you to your polling location.
This News item by Randolph T. Holhut was written for The Commons.