Since the start of 2026, the number of protests in Whitewater has increased compared with previous years. In addition, there are weekly sign brigades on Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and protesters gather on the 1,000 block of West Main Street. Rain or shine, attendees are there and their numbers are growing.
These protests and sign brigades are organized and run by the Walworth County Democrats, Women’s March and the League of Women Voters. Additionally, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student organizations help organize and participate. The organizations host protests such as “No Kings” and “ICE Out” to encourage Whitewater citizens to be involved in democracy and the community.
“Honestly, the biggest part of it is showing people that they’re not alone,” District 2 Alderman Orin Smith said. “I also think that protests in particular are really important for building community and coalitions with one another.”
Protester and Beloit resident Rodolfo Abarca added, “It makes me feel like I have more of an impact, especially when it is done in unity.”
With the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, along with local situations in the community, many citizens associated with the Democratic Party have felt anger and confusion with the current administration. These protests can be an outlet for Whitewater citizens.
“I’ve gotten a lot of words of appreciation saying, ‘thank you for doing this,’” candidate for Wisconsin’s Congressional District 1 Miguel Aranda said. “We share some guidelines of how to do it respectfully and civically. This is your freedom of speech. This is your constitutional right. You have every right to exercise it.”
While protests can give citizens a sense of community and hope, the organization also hosts them to help raise awareness and increase voting numbers.
“I’m hoping that people will get out and vote, and people who haven’t voted in the past will realize just how important it is,” said Whitewater resident Terri Barrett. “I’ve heard too many people say ‘my one vote doesn’t matter.’ It does.”
Aranda added that protests must continue and citizens must advocate for each other. He uses the protests to encourage people to vote at all levels.
Protests start at Starin Park in Whitewater and end near the McDonald’s on West Main Street. While they are hosted by the Democratic Party, all political parties are welcome to join the marches.
“We introduce candidates if they’re willing to show up,” Aranda said. “We invite all candidates from all political spectrums, and if they want to show up they can.”
The Royal Purple reached out to the Walworth County GOP for comment, but didn’t receive a response.
These marches and protests were started to create a sense of community and acceptance. They are used to raise awareness, but also remind people of the power they have when they work together.
“We got to think positively. You have to be hopeful,” Aranda said. “When we work together, we can accomplish things together.”
