‘No Kings’ March and Rally Planned in Tuscaloosa

A “No Kings” march and rally focused on civic engagement and voting rights is scheduled to take place in downtown Tuscaloosa next month.

The event is planned for Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. until noon, beginning at Government Plaza. Oct. 17 is also scheduled as a nationwide “No Kings” day of action.

According to local organizers, participants should be prepared to walk a little more than one mile round trip.

The planned route will take participants from Government Plaza to First African Baptist Church before continuing toward the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse. Organizers say the route is intended to recognize the planned march associated with Bloody Tuesday, a significant event in Tuscaloosa’s civil rights history.

Participants will then return to Government Plaza, where speakers are scheduled to address the crowd before a rally.

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Organizers are asking attendees who bring signs to keep their messages related to the “No Kings” theme or voting rights.

The event announcement also encourages eligible Alabama voters to learn about absentee voting options ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.

Alabama does not offer a general early-voting period. However, voters who meet one of the state's qualifying reasons may vote absentee, and eligible voters can personally receive and return an absentee ballot through their county’s Absentee Election Manager.

For the Nov. 3 election, Alabama absentee voting began Sept. 9. The deadline for absentee applications received by mail is Oct. 27, while applications submitted in person must be received by Oct. 29. Hand-delivered absentee ballots are due by the close of business Nov. 2, while mailed ballots must arrive by noon on Election Day.

Organizers are encouraging community members interested in the Oct. 17 event to attend the march and participate in the rally afterward.

Official absentee voting information is available through the Alabama Secretary of State website.