Corydon protesters call on Hoosiers to vote early in latest anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ demonstration

CORYDON, Ind. — A former electrical company employee, a couple wearing frog hats and a Franciscan friar were among about 100 protesters at a Saturday “No Kings” demonstration in Corydon — against the backdrop of the state’s first capitol. 

The latest in a string of nationwide protests since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, Saturday’s demonstrations were aimed at encouraging early voting and ballot education. 

Thousands of events were planned nationwide, including around 40 in Indiana, according to the No Kings event map. More than 130 miles away, participants rallied outside the Governor’s Residence. 

In Corydon, organizers with Progressive Voices H.C.F. — representing Harrison, Clark and Floyd counties — collected food and other donations for a community services group, and musicians played folk songs.

Tiffany Wolfe Garcia, president of Progressive Voices H.C.F., said grassroots progressive group Indivisible was organizing a carpool to the polls, and supporters of local political campaigns were also in attendance.

Though promoted as a “free, nonpartisan and family-friendly event,” most event attendees expressed discontent with the Trump administration. Others encouraged early voting.

Married retirees Susan Launder Becker and John Becker of Georgetown, who wore green frog hats and undershirts, held papers calling on people to “Vote Out The King!” The outfits were in reference to past colorful costumes in anti-Trump protests, including in Portland. After casting their ballots last Thursday, they also donned “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 purported corruption in the Trump administration as other considerations. 

He said he hopes the demonstrations Saturday could “move the needle” in close races. Susan Launder Becker added that she felt concerns over federal officials “threatening polling places on” Election Day could boost early participation.

Father Vince Petersen of Mount Saint Francis Center for Spirituality said participation, no matter how people vote, is encouraged by the Catholic church, though he said the country faces the “existential” threat of tyranny today.

“There’s no kings,” he said. “My only king is Jesus, really.”

Aim Me Smiley, a 56-year-old musician from Perry County, said she came out to protest a “rogue” president, data center expansion and the war in Iran, among other issues. She voted early the first day she could. 

Smiley wore a shirt backing Mary Allen, the Democratic candidate for Indiana’s 8th congressional district, and co-wrote a song for Allen’s campaign. Smiley also held a banner calling on people to “shape the future” by voting.

“People have the power to choose our leaders and our leadership, and they should reflect what we want in our lives to make our lives better,” Smiley said. “We don’t have that right now.”

Joe Dorgay, a 67-year-old from Lanesville, said he wanted to “open people’s eyes” via protesting. A constituent of Congresswoman Erin Houchin in the 9th District, he said the Republican has done some “impressive” things for the district but has acted as a “rubber stamp for Trump.” So he voted for her challenger, Democrat Brad Meyer.

“You got to stand up for the constitution, too,” he said.