Ahead of the November 3 election, No Kings rallies and protests took place across the country, with participants advocating for voting rights and making their voices heard.
Locally, people lined the Bayfront Connector on Saturday to exercise their rights to free speech and assembly.
The corner of Cranberry and the Bayfront was one of many areas that people lined for No Kings Day rallies.
People of all ages held signs and waved flags to share their messages with passing drivers.
Brenda Carrier attended the rally with three generations of her family, including her sister. She said she was inspired to see so many people, particularly those in her age group, participating. As Carrier explained, “Just very inspired with people of our age, my age, I’m 78, my sister is older.”
Carrier believes it’s important for younger generations to see older adults speaking up and taking part in civic engagement.
“The young people have to see that the older people are involved and speaking up with their voice and learning what our country means and how important it is,” another attendee, Carrier’s sister said.
Carrier said younger generations must get involved to help shape the country’s future.
“We have fought and done this for years and years, but it’s their country, and if they want to see it survive and grow and thrive, then the young people have to get involved and see the importance of it,” Carrier said.
Her sister echoed that sentiment and said, “The young people must get this and never let it happen again in our country.”
Carrier’s granddaughter, Marli Rutkowski, said she was encouraged by the turnout and support from passing drivers.
“Honestly, seeing all the people, hearing all the tooting of the car horns has been really great,” Rutkowski said.
She added that while it’s important for people to make their voices heard, protests should remain respectful.
“It is very, very important to make your voice be heard, but also in a respectful manner. Protesting is everyone’s right. Everyone has the right to do it,” Rutkowski said.
Other No Kings rallies and protests took place in Perry Square in Erie and at Diamond Park in Meadville.