The group 50501, which is lead organizer of the protests, said they are encouraging voters to head to the polls as soon as possible.

HOUSTON — Thousands of people nationwide are expected to join “No Kings” protests Saturday, including several rallies in the Houston area, as organizers urge voters to cast their ballots early ahead of the midterm elections.

The group 50501 is behind the nationwide day of action, and 50501 Houston is planning a protest and march at Houston City Hall for early Saturday evening. Other demonstrations are scheduled in Katy, The Woodlands, Missouri City and other locations.



This story continues below.

Saturday’s event will be the fourth “No Kings” protest in the past year and a half. Organizers said the plan is to feature speakers followed by a march, with an emphasis on encouraging people to vote early.

The three previous “No Kings” protests drew thousands of people to Houston City Hall. Attendees have spoken out against the Trump administration’s policies, which they describe as authoritarian.

RELATED: Early voting guide: What to know about the Nov. 3 midterm elections in Texas

This time, organizers said the demonstration has a specific call to action: to go vote.

“The whole goal is to essentially vote out the corrupt and vote in the people that will be fighting for Texans,” Ashley Escandon, with 50501 Houston, said.

Organizers are encouraging people to vote early because of concerns about federal voting policies, including debates over mail-in voting and proposals involving federal agents at polling places.

“We have to go early to avoid being turned away or told that we have to go somewhere else to vote,” Escandon said. “Once those polls open on the 19th of October, we are expecting everyone to go and cast their votes early. Don’t wait until Election Day.”

The Houston chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, or Houston DSA, is among the organizations scheduled to speak at Saturday’s protest.

“Our votes are incredibly important, and this administration is terrified of the people’s will, and we’re going to show them that we’re not going to be intimidated,” Houston DSA Co-Chair Jasmine Khadem-Gonzalez said. “We’re going to show up to the polls, and we’re going to make the changes that we want to see in our government.”

Critics of the “No Kings” protests have called the demonstrations “Hate America” rallies and described them as anti-government. Escandon rejected that characterization.

“Defending the Constitution, protesting civil injustices and believing that the people that the power is very American,” Escandon said.

The Houston City Hall protest and march is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Stay with KHOU 11 for full coverage.

Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.