No Kings Network Promotes Early Voting with Rallies Across U.S.
Rallies organized by the No Kings network opposed to President Donald Trump took place on Saturday in various cities and communities across the U.S. The main goal was to encourage early voting in the midterm elections. Although the hundreds of planned events were nonpartisan, they built on nearly two years of No Kings marches and demonstrations by individuals discontented with Trump’s presidency.
People gathered near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on October 17, 2026, as part of a nationwide day of action to promote early voting ahead of the midterm elections. Despite chilly weather, a band entertained a few hundred attendees who donned caps and coats and danced to the music. Signs such as “VOTE EARLY” and “HANDS OFF MY VOTE!” were prominently displayed by participants.
In Atlanta, City Councilman Michael Julian Bond addressed the crowd, urging them to encourage others to vote before the November 3 general election. He emphasized the power of voting, comparing it to fictional superheroes who do not relinquish their powers. “The constitution gives you one power, right? That is the power to vote. Are you gonna use that power? You don’t see Superman giving up his power,” Bond said. “You don’t see Black Panther giving up his power. You don’t see Wonder Woman giving up her magic lasso. So why would you give up your right, your power, your obligation to vote? Be a superhero, use your power. Go to the polls and vote.”
In Manhattan, New York City, demonstrators gathered for the “No Kings: Vote Early” protest, a coordinated effort to promote early voting in the approaching midterm elections.
President Trump has expressed distrust in mail voting, claiming without evidence that voter fraud cost him the 2020 presidential election. On Thursday, his administration sued California election officials, seeking to prevent the state from counting mail-in ballots from individuals identified as “likely” noncitizens until their immigration status is verified. Additionally, on Friday, the Justice Department warned local officials about the risks of criminal investigation and prosecution if they process and count ballots from suspected noncitizen voters.
Earlier that day, Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) wrote to Attorney General Todd Blanche, demanding a commitment from the Justice Department to refrain from seizing ballots or election materials until the midterm election results are verified.
A free press remains a key element of a healthy democracy. Supporting trusted journalism and fostering civil dialogue is crucial.