Thousands gathered at the Utah State Capitol last Saturday for another No Kings protest. The protest opposes President Donald Trump and his administration. Protesters were specifically calling for an end to the Iran conflict, as well as fighting against the warehouse in Salt Lake that has recently been purchased for an immigration detention center.
“We must fight for a future where the needs of working-class people are put before racist deportation campaigns and endless wars,” said Samantha Reagan, an organizer and student leader of the group Mecha de U of U.
The group led by Reagan chanted, “Money for jobs and education, not for war and deportation.” Protesters started at the Salt Lake County building before marching over a mile to the capitol building. Groups similar to this gathered in demonstrations across the state and nationwide.
Lannie Chapman, the Salt Lake County Clerk, called for people to hold on to their energy until the midterms, which start in November.
“We need to keep this energy through November. Let’s make sure our voices are heard,” said Chapman.
Many protesters brought up the SAVE America Act, which, if passed, could put restrictions on voting and add voting requirements that block millions from voting, such as proof of citizenship with a passport or birth certificate. It’s estimated that over 20 million legal citizens lack access to those documents. An estimated 50% don’t have a passport.
Married women who have changed their last name will also have to go through extra steps to vote under the SAVE America Act. Some people described the change as an attack on voting.
Jeanetta Williams, president of the NAACP’s Salt Lake branch, said voting rights should not change.
“Let me be clear. Nobody gave us these rights,” Williams said. “We fought for them. We bled for them. People died for them. And we are not about to let them take that away from us.”
Author: Andrew Streeter
Photo: Marco Lozzi, Utah News Dispatch
Editor: Hannah Clove
news@suunews.net
