Updated October 17, 2026, 5 p.m. ET
Millions of Americans gathered in cities large and small and voted early on Saturday, October 17, continuing popular protests against the Kings.
In Indianapolis, two groups marched to the governor’s residence. In Michigan, one event had a Halloween theme; another asked attendees to bring signs and American flags. In downtown Phoenix, protesters marched to the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center to drop off their ballots.
Huddled against a chilly fall wind, protesters lined up along an intersection and bridge in Orono, Maine. One participant had a blanket draped over her shoulders with the words “Stand Up for Democracy” sewn onto it.
The more than 3,000 actions focused on early voting and turnout rather than protests like the three previous No Kings events, which brought millions of Americans to the streets in rallies in cities large and small across the country. Organizers said Saturday’s events are expected to be smaller and their impact will be difficult to determine until states release early voting numbers. Early voting has begun in much of the country.
Public Citizen co-president Lisa Gilbert told USA TODAY that the events are “a strategic and essential move to help people exercise the most tangible aspect of their power that counters all the abuses we’ve seen, which is voting.”
The No Kings protests were a way for Americans to express their frustration with the Trump administration’s policies. Voting is another way to make that statement, Gilbert said.
“It is so crucial that people vote, that they vote early, that we are demonstrating overwhelmingly that this is not an acceptable way to govern,” she said.
Anticipated events included marches to the polls, voting information booths, speakers and vehicle parades to voting locations.
In Atlanta, Black Voters Matter held a party with food trucks and music before moving as a group to a voting location. In Ferndale, Michigan, and Eagle County, Colorado, participants in superhero costumes rode decorated bikes or wagons to the polls. In Chester, Pennsylvania, a tailgate party at a ballot drop box was planned.
Many action locations are available online.
No Kings organizers said the goal was to create voter turnout so high that it would be difficult for the Trump administration to claim fraud had occurred.
The White House has rejected the organizers, telling USA TODAY earlier this week that the fact that organizers are talking about voting shows there is no king or authoritarian government.
In South Bend, Indiana, protesters gathered in Leeper Park around the Studebaker Electric Fountain. Anne Weisjohn said that right now, voting is the only power citizens have.
She said she was protesting to make “our voices heard, that we must stand up and achieve the change necessary to preserve our democracy, and fight to ensure that our children and our grandchildren have a decent country in which to survive.”
One of the highlights of Saturday’s event at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee was the “Eyeball Brigade,” a group of people who wore papier-mâché eyeballs on their heads. Their message? “The eyes are looking.”
“We want people to keep an eye on democracy,” said Eyeball Brigade organizer Doug Schrock. “Keep an eye on voting rights; keep an eye on ICE.”
In Oregon, about 1,200 protesters marched through downtown Salem. Thom Gapen, spokesman for Salem Region Indivisible, said the goal of the day’s rally was to be “highly visible, the message being: Vote.” And it’s important to vote in this election.”
Gapen stressed that voters should cast their ballots in official ballot boxes.
“Don’t send it in the mail,” Gapen said.
In Exeter, New Hampshire, organizers raised concerns that President Donald Trump would interfere with the election or challenge the results if they did not favor his Republican Party.
Naomi Kornhauser, of Durham, said encouraging people to vote while preempting the Trump administration’s attempts at voter suppression was a priority.
“Across the country, people will be encouraged (to vote early) in states where it is possible … to avoid any shenanigans that might take place on Election Day,” Kornhauser said.
A few hundred people waved signs and American flags and rang bells outside the elections supervisor’s office in Sarasota, Florida, on Saturday.
“Voting is nonpartisan, we advocate for everyone to be able to vote in a free, fair and secure election,” said Sarah Parker, executive director of the Voices for Florida Fund. “I don’t choose the rights I fight for based on my political beliefs. We want everyone’s voice to be heard, regardless of your political affiliation. If there are attacks on voting, there are personal attacks on everyone.”
Contributors: Kinsey, Crowley, USA TODAY; Juliane Balog, South Bend Tribune; Jim Rosica and Kendal Asbury, Sarasota Herald-Tribune; Katie Livermore and Joshua Kornfeld, Salem Statesman Journal; Grace Chai, Portsmouth Herald
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