Another round of "No Kings" protests, part of a nationwide nonviolent movement opposing what organizers describe as authoritarianism and excessive executive power under President Donald Trump, will take place across the country in October ahead of the November midterm elections.
The October protests are centered on voting rights and voter participation. Organizers say the goal is to ensure people have a clear voting plan, understand their options and are able to vote early.
"No Kings: Vote Early is the next step of reclaiming our power after a year of mass mobilizations," reads the "No Kings" website. "It's a day of nonpartisan voter participation, being in community with each other, and making sure every eligible voter has a plan, knows their
options, and is ready to make their voice count."
The most recent major "No Kings" demonstration took place on March 28, 2026, when thousands of events were held across the country.
In Tennessee, over 40 protests were scheduled, including events in Memphis, Jackson, Nashville, Franklin, Columbia, Clarksville, Lebanon, Murfreesboro, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Johnson City, Sevierville, as well as dozens of others across the state.
What is the 'No Kings' movement?
"No Kings" is a nationwide protest movement opposing Trump and what organizers describe as authoritarian actions by his administration.
Organizers cite concerns about presidential overreach, immigration policies and ICE actions, the deployment of federal forces to cities, and healthcare, environmental, and education issues as motivations for the protests.
The name is meant to evoke the principle that the United States is a democracy with no monarchs and no leaders are above the law. The protests emphasize people‑powered, nonviolent resistance.
When are the 'No Kings' protests taking place?
The next "No Kings" protests are scheduled for Oct. 17, 2026.
'No Kings' protests planned in Tennessee
Here's a look at all of the "No Kings" protests planned across Tennessee thus far.
- Vote Early IndivisibleTN5 Columbia:West Sixth Street & North Garden Street from 10 a.m. to noon CT
- Vote Early Franklin TN:11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT. This event address is private.
- Vote Early Tellico Plains TN:225 Cherohala Skyway from 1 to 3 p.m. ET.
What are your rights when protesting?
The First Amendment protects your right to protest. This includes freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition the government. Some limited restrictions are allowed for public safety.
- You may record in public: If you're in a public space, you can photograph and record video of anything in plain view, including police, federal buildings, and other protesters. Audio recording rules depend on state law. Most states use one‑party consent; a few require two‑party consent. Tennessee is a one‑party consent state. These protections do not apply on private property, where owners can set their own rules.
- Flag burning is protected speech: The Supreme Court has ruled that burning the American flag is a form of protected expression under the First Amendment.
- Police cannot take your phone without a warrant: They cannot confiscate your device or demand to review your footage unless they have a search warrant. They may ask you to stop recording only if you’re truly interfering with safety or police work.
- Stay calm if confronted by police: If officers appear to violate your rights, do not resist or argue. Instead, calmly assert your rights and ask whether you are free to leave. If you are free to go, leave immediately. If you are arrested, ask for a lawyer right away and do not speak or sign anything until your attorney is present.
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 'No Kings' protests planned in Tennessee ahead of midterm elections. Here's where, when
