On Saturday, October 17, 2026, roughly 400 demonstrators gathered in Richmond, Virginia, for the fourth major “No Kings” protest, turning out during rainy weather to rally around local issues and three proposed state constitutional amendments. The turnout was significantly lower than previous demonstrations in the city, such as a march on Capitol Square the same time last year that drew over 10,000 people. The event took place with two weeks remaining before midterm elections that will determine control of Congress, forming part of a broader wave of anti-Trump demonstrations held across Virginia and nationwide.
Constitutional Amendments on the November Ballot
Organizers at the Richmond rally urged voters to approve three separate amendments to Virginia’s constitution on the November ballot. Han Jones, campaign manager for Virginians for Reproductive Freedom, asked the crowd to vote “yes” on Question No. 1 to cement abortion access and reproductive rights in Virginia. According to Jones, Virginia is the only southern state that has not enacted new restrictions following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade. “Once this constitutional amendment is passed, we are going to know that no politician can take our rights away with a swipe of a pen,” Jones said.
Ballot Question No. 2 seeks to remove the state’s 2006 ban and permanently protect same-sex marriage. Narissa Rahaman, executive director of Equality Virginia, addressed the crowd about the vulnerability of federal protections under changing political winds. “As long as that ugly language from 2006 remains on the books, it represents a standing vulnerability, rather than a settled guarantee,” Rahaman said. Meanwhile, Ballot Question No. 3 asks voters to restore voting rights for formerly incarcerated Virginians and guarantee automatic restoration for individuals in the future. Throughout the speeches, demonstrators chanted, “Our rights are on the ballot!”
Local Activism and Campaigning at Capitol Square
Alongside the state amendment campaigns, various local groups utilized the protest to distribute flyers and raise awareness regarding regional policy and electoral races. The Richmond chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America promoted its “BLOCK FLOCK” campaign against automatic license plate readers, an initiative the group has maintained since at least the last “No Kings” protest in Richmond. The chapter also used the event to support school board candidate Jackie McDonnough, who is running against Anne Holton.
Additional advocacy organizations present on the outer edges of the protest included the Evict ICE Campaign, New Virginia Majority, the Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice and Equality, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Volunteers such as Merry Bateman of Chesterfield, Virginia, handed out voter registration leaflets to attendees amidst the continuous rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date did the Richmond No Kings protest take place?
The protest occurred on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia, with two weeks until the midterm elections.
How many people attended the demonstration?
The event turned out about 400 people, which was fewer than previous demonstrations in the city, such as a Capitol Square march the same time last year that drew over 10,000 participants.
Which constitutional amendments are Virginians voting on in November?
Voters are deciding on three proposed amendments: one to cement abortion access and reproductive rights, a second to remove the 2006 ban and permanently protect same-sex marriage, and a third to restore voting rights for formerly incarcerated individuals and guarantee automatic restoration for people in the future.
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