The "No Kings" movement is returning to Stockton and communities across San Joaquin County this month, but organizers say the events will take a different approach from the large-scale demonstrations that drew millions nationwide in opposition to what they described as executive overreach.
Instead of focusing primarily on protests, the Oct. 17 events across California and the U.S. are aimed at encouraging voters to cast their ballots early ahead of the midterm elections.
In a Sept. 8 news release, organizers said "No Kings: Vote Early" is designed to build on the momentum of last year's nationwide actions by shifting attention to voter participation. Events across the country will include rallies, block parties, community gatherings and walks
to the polls, all centered on helping eligible voters make a plan to vote early, understand their voting options and prepare to cast their ballots.
Several events are planned throughout San Joaquin County, including two in Stockton. Additional events are scheduled in Lodi, Manteca and Tracy, giving residents multiple opportunities to participate in the day of action.
"Millions took to the streets last year and gathered for one of the largest single-day, nonviolent direct actions in U.S. history in March," organizers said in a Sept. 8 news release. "'No Kings: Vote Early' is the next step in this growing movement, making sure we use our collective power at the ballot box for the future we want for our families, communities, and country."
Here's what to know about the upcoming "No Kings" events planned in October.
When is 'No Kings: Vote Early' planned for?
"No Kings: Vote Early" events are planned to take place across San Joaquin County, the Golden State, the rest of the nation, and some parts of the globe on Saturday, Oct. 17, with times varying by location.
What is 'No Kings?'
"No Kings" events are organized by a broad coalition of progressive organizations, labor unions, and activist groups, including Indivisible, the 50501 Movement, the American Civil Liberties Union and MoveOn Civic Action.
The events, organizers say, respond to President Donald Trump and what they describe as efforts to "control" the populace.
"With every ICE raid, every escalation abroad, and every abuse of power at home, Americans are rising in opposition to Trump's attempt to rule through fear and force," Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, said in a March statement. "Trump crosses a new red line, and more people are deciding they've had enough. That is why people across the country are organizing, showing up for their neighbors, and making one thing unmistakably clear: we are done with the corruption, the cruelty, and the authoritarianism."
During the first "No Kings" installment in June 2025, more than five million people participated at 2,100 events, while the subsequent October round saw seven million people at 2,700 events, according to event organizers. The most recent event in March drew between eight and nine million participants worldwide across 3,300 organized events.
"The No Kings movement has always been about making clear that power in this country lies with the American people, not an authoritarian government or its billionaire allies," Joel Payne, chief communications officer for MoveOn Civic Action, said in a statement. "No matter how much elected officials may try to silence our voices and make it harder for people to vote, they won't succeed. The next No Kings will provide MoveOn members the runway and momentum to deliver turnout so large the results can't be questioned."
What to know about California events
An online map of planned No Kings Day protests for Oct. 17 shows dozens of events planned up and down the Golden State, with more around metropolitan areas.
To check whether an event is planned near you, enter a ZIP code or address. From there, the interactive map will take you to that general area, where you will see location icons you can click to learn more about any planned event.
No Kings events planned in San Joaquin County
- Stockton: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the corner of March Lane and Pershing Avenue
- Stockton: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Yokuts and Pacific Avenue
- Lodi: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kettleman Lane and Lower Sacramento intersection
- Manteca: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Yosemite Avenue and Cottage/Spreckels near KFC
- Tracy: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tracy City Hall
Cities with events planned in Central California include:
- Monterey: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Window On The Bay
- Salinas: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at sidewalks along Star Shopping Center
- Porterville: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Veterans Park
- Fresno: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. along Blackstone Avenue between Nees and Alluvial avenues
- Modesto: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Rose Avenue Park
Cities with events planned in Northern California include:
- Santa Cruz: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at county courthouse steps
- San Jose: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at St. James Park
- San Francisco: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 18th and Dolores Street
- Sacramento: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Vacaville: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Vacaville City Hall
- Yuba City: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Washington Square Park
- Chico: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Fort Bragg: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near Noyo River Bridge
- Crescent City: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cities with events planned in Southern California include:
- San Diego: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. near Del Mar Highlands Town Center
- Oceanside: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Oceanside Civic Center
- Newport Beach: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Huntington Beach: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Huntington Beach Pier
- Riverside: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Riverside
- Temecula: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Temecula Duck Pond
- Crestline: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Palm Springs: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Demuth Community Center
- Victorville: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Irvine: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Trabuco Center
- Los Angeles: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Gloria Molina Grand Park
- Long Beach: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Ventura: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ventura County Government Center
- Santa Barbara: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Alameda Park
- Bakersfield: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Note: Some of the cities above have more than one "No Kings" event planned; you can find details on the event's website.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 'No Kings' returns to San Joaquin County with a new focus
