Here's what you need to know about Colorado's March 4th for Democracy protest.
When is It?
In Denver, the March 4th for Democracy protest is expected to start at noon on Tuesday, March 4. It's expected to last until 4 p.m., according to online fliers for the event, but the Fifty State Protest on February 5 and other rallies have lasted well beyond its planned 8 p.m. stop time, with some protests turning into walks down Broadway or into Lower Downtown.Where is It?
Protesters will gather at the west lawn of the Colorado State Capitol, 200 East Colfax Avenue.How to Get Involved
On top of attending, you can get involved through the r/DenverProtests subreddit, where local protesters are sharing their expectations and plans for the upcoming protest, as well as for later events.The Common Ground People's Collective, the group that's leading efforts to organize the March 4th for Democracy protest, is also seeking volunteers right now with an online sign-up sheet.
Who Is Organizing the Protest?
The protest is being organized nationwide by the 50501 Movement, a grassroots organization that popped up in the wake of the massive turnout at the Fifty State Protest on February 5. According to the group's website, the 50501 Movement is "a peaceful movement dedicated to positive change through nonviolent action."The Common Ground People's Collective, a Denver-based group that also started after the Fifty State Protest, is sharing information about the protest on Reddit and Bluesky. The group holds the permit for 5,000 people to gather at the Capitol on March 4; it was also the permit holder for the Presidents' Day protest on February 17, another 50501-affiliated action.
According to the People's Collective, it is a "unified movement advocating for representation, rights, and justice."
"Our goal is to amplify voices, share resources, and foster meaningful collective action," says the group. "Our focus is on supporting the rights of targeted and marginalized communities, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, Indigenous peoples, immigrants, refugees, individuals with disabilities, Palestinians, and more."
What to Know Before You Go
While the protests have mostly been safe, three women reported being harassed on the way to a February 8 protest by a pair of passing motorists who threw glass bottles at them. Two suspects were arrested on February 18 for charges related to that incident.Three people were arrested at the Fifty State Protest for obstruction of traffic, criminal mischief and the destruction of property, according to the Denver Police Department. Three more were arrested at the protest on February 8: two for graffiti and one for inciting a riot. No one was arrested at the Presidents' Day protest on February 17, according to the DPD.
The three biggest protests in February each saw large turnouts of between 2,500 and 5,000 people. The permit for the March 4th for Democracy protest expects 5,000 people, but the "No Kings Day" protest on February 24, which was the most recent 50501-affiliated nationwide action, only had about a dozen people protesting at the Colorado Capitol at its peak.
How to Get There
Traffic was impacted during the larger protests in February, especially around Lincoln Street, Broadway and Colfax Avenue. Protesters have broken out into marches at those events, too, which backed up traffic. Unless you arrive or leave early, look for a parking spot a few blocks away from the Capitol.You can land a block or two away from the Capitol via RTD bus lines like the 0, 15 and 16 to stops at Colfax Avenue and Broadway or 13th Avenue and Lincoln Street. More bus routes and schedules can be found with the RTD online system map. Unsurprisingly, no light rail lines come close to the Capitol.
Other Protests Happening in Denver
March is loaded with protests planned across the Denver area and across Colorado, but the March 4th for Democracy protest is the only one taking place in the state on March 4. However, there will be demonstrations at state capitals across the country in solidarity with March 4th for Democracy.The 50501 Movement has links online to maps and lists of protests planned in every state.
