October 17, 2026
Field reporting: Voice of Cam, VOTP News STL
ST. LOUIS — Demonstrators brought protest signs, songs and calls to vote to Grand Boulevard and Arsenal Street on Saturday during a gathering participants identified as a No Kings protest.
Along the sidewalk near Tower Grove Park, participants held messages criticizing Donald Trump and encouraging voter participation. Signs reading “No Kings, Just Voters,” “We the People are Strong” and “The Future Is Calling” reflected the gathering’s mix of political protest and election reminders.
VOTP News STL’s Voice of Cam stopped to speak with demonstrators after noticing their signs while traveling through the area following another community event.
A participant who identified herself as Kathy described the demonstration as part of a series of No Kings actions happening across the country.
The gathering coincided with the national movement’s October 17 “No Kings: Vote Early” effort. The movement describes its events as nonpartisan and committed to nonviolent action, with a focus on increasing participation among eligible voters, according to its website.
At Grand and Arsenal, participants interviewed by Voice of Cam expressed frustration with Trump and concern about respect for the Constitution. They also repeatedly urged people to exercise their right to vote.
One woman, who said she had simply shown up rather than helped organize the event, cited “too much disrespect of the law and the Constitution” as a reason for attending.
She described feeling encouraged by joining others in the community and called for people to work together.
“We all agree on a lot of stuff,” she said. “So let’s come together and figure it out in a better way than what’s happening now.”
The signs carried their own messages. One cardboard sign read, “I’m not a paid protester. I hate him for free!” Other signs included “ICE OUT” and “Dump Trump.”
Singing also accompanied the demonstration. A banner reading “STL Singing Resistance” was visible among the participants, and Voice of Cam’s coverage captured the group singing together and calling out, “Power to the people!”
Voting remained a recurring subject during the interviews.
“All eligible voters should be able to make their voices heard,” one participant told Voice of Cam.
The participant described voting as a way for people to influence their future and have a say in decisions affecting their lives.
Demonstrators also displayed information for Election Protection, including its 866-OUR-VOTE hotline. The nonpartisan coalition provides assistance with voting questions through calls or texts to 866-687-8683.
The demonstration came ahead of the November 3 general election. According to the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners, in-person absentee voting without an excuse begins October 20 and continues through November 2. Election Day polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Video and photos: VOTP News STL. Field reporting by Voice of Cam.
