About 100 protesters gathered in Corydon for a “No Kings” demonstration on a Saturday, encouraging early voting and ballot education against the backdrop of the state’s first capitol. The event was the latest in a series of nationwide protests held since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Participants included a former electrical company employee, a couple wearing frog hats, and a Franciscan friar. Organizers with Progressive Voices H.C.F., representing Harrison, Clark, and Floyd counties, collected food and other donations for a community services group, while musicians played folk songs. Tiffany Wolfe Garcia, president of Progressive Voices H.C.F., noted that grassroots progressive group Indivisible was organizing a carpool to the polls, and supporters of local political campaigns were also in attendance.
Although promoted as a “free, nonpartisan and family-friendly event,” most attendees expressed discontent with the Trump administration, while others specifically encouraged early voting. Married retirees Susan Launder Becker and John Becker of Georgetown, for example, wore green frog hats and undershirts, holding papers that called on people to “Vote Out The King!” Their outfits referenced past colorful costumes seen in anti-Trump protests elsewhere. After casting their ballots the previous Thursday, they displayed “I voted” stickers.
Susan Launder Becker cited federal immigration policy and the cost of living as factors informing her vote. John Becker mentioned threats to voting rights and alleged corruption in the Trump administration as additional considerations. He expressed hope that the Saturday demonstrations could “move the needle” in close races. Susan Launder Becker added that she believed concerns over federal officials “threatening polling places on” Election Day could boost early participation.
Father Vince Petersen of Mount Saint Francis Center for Spirituality encouraged participation regardless of how people vote, stating that it is supported by the Catholic church. He noted that the country faces an “existential” threat of tyranny today, saying, “My only king is Jesus, really.”
Aim Me Smiley, a 56-year-old musician from Perry County, said she attended to protest a “rogue” president, along with issues such as data center expansion and the war in Iran. Smiley, who voted early on the first day she could, wore a shirt supporting Mary Allen, the Democratic candidate for Indiana’s 8th congressional district, and co-wrote a song for Allen’s campaign. She also held a banner urging people to “shape the future” by voting. Smiley stated that people have the power to choose their leaders and their leadership, and that leaders should reflect what citizens want to make their lives better. She added, “We don’t have that right now.”
Joe Dorgay, a 67-year-old from Lanesville, expressed a desire to “open people’s eyes” through protesting. As a constituent of Congresswoman Erin Houchin in the 9th District, Dorgay acknowledged that the Republican has done some “impressive” things for the district but described her as a “rubber stamp for Trump.” Consequently, he voted for her challenger, Democrat Brad Meyer, emphasizing the need to “stand up for the constitution, too.”
The Corydon protest was part of a larger national movement. Thousands of “No Kings” events were planned nationwide, with approximately 40 scheduled in Indiana. Another demonstration, located more than 130 miles away from Corydon, saw participants rally outside the Governor’s Residence.
