Atlantic City, Galloway, Ocean City and Cape May Court House were among the communities included in Saturday's regional day of action.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — South Jersey was part of a nationwide day of political demonstrations Saturday, October 17, as organizers of the "No Kings" movement shifted their emphasis toward encouraging participation in the November midterm elections.
Events were organized in Atlantic and Cape May counties, including Atlantic City, Galloway, Ocean City and Cape May Court House.
The local activities were part of a national "No Kings: Vote Early" campaign that combined opposition to President Donald Trump's administration with efforts to encourage voter participation.
The movement's organizers described the voting activities as nonpartisan and open to all eligible voters, although the broader demonstrations were rooted in opposition to the president and his policies.
Atlantic City March and Gathering
In Atlantic City, organizers scheduled a march beginning at 3 p.m. at Missouri Avenue and the Boardwalk.
The announced route followed the Boardwalk to Albany Avenue, where participants were to continue to O'Donnell Memorial Park for a gathering beginning around 3:30 p.m.
The event was organized by Empathy United, an Atlantic City chapter of Indivisible, in partnership with the Atlantic City Branch of the NAACP and the Atlantic County Council of Education Associations.
Organizers invited community organizations, labor representatives and local leaders to participate.
"Our goal is to bring people together across communities, organizations, and movements," Empathy United organizers said in a statement issued before the event.
"Atlantic City is home to communities whose voices deserve to be centered in these conversations."
The group said it wanted participants to connect with community organizations and learn more about ways to participate in local civic life.
Events Across Atlantic and Cape May Counties
Other announced activities included a noon gathering at the Galloway Township Municipal Complex on East Jimmie Leeds Road.
In Ocean City, organizers planned another "Hands Across the Causeway" event along the Ninth Street Causeway connecting Ocean City and Somers Point.
The demonstration was scheduled from noon to 2 p.m.
Cape May County organizers also announced a noon caravan beginning in Cape May Court House.
The Atlantic City gathering was intended to serve as a regional event bringing together participants from the earlier activities.
A Different Focus for the Movement
Previous No Kings demonstrations have focused primarily on protesting the Trump administration and what organizers describe as threats to democratic institutions.
Saturday's events placed additional emphasis on encouraging people to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.
Organizers encouraged participants to check their voter registration, learn about early voting and make plans to cast ballots.
Similar demonstrations were reported elsewhere in New Jersey and across the country.
Associated Press coverage described the nationwide effort as a combination of protests against the administration and voter mobilization.
The demonstrations come as New Jersey voters prepare for the November 3 general election.
Local Participation Still Being Assessed
As of Sunday morning, independently verified attendance totals for the Atlantic City, Galloway, Ocean City and Cape May Court House events were not available.
South Jersey NewsBeat also had not obtained local police reports or firsthand documentation establishing whether any disruptions or arrests occurred at those locations.
The event schedules and organizing details were confirmed through organizers' announcements, but they should not be interpreted as independently verified accounts of turnout or every activity that occurred.
The events nevertheless illustrate how national political movements are seeking to organize at the community level in Atlantic and Cape May counties ahead of Election Day.
South Jersey NewsBeat will update this report as additional local participation figures and firsthand accounts become available.
About the Author
Karen Johnson
With over 30 years of news experience in major markets like Los Angeles, Denver, and Columbus, Karen now covers our area for South Jersey NewsBeat. She also brings her articulate and conversational news delivery to WOND radio listeners every weekday. Her background includes work with the NBC Radio Network, and she thrives in fast-paced news environments.
