Rallies organized by the No Kings network opposing President Donald Trump took place Saturday in cities and communities across the United States, aiming to encourage people to vote early in the midterm elections.
The hundreds of planned events were billed as nonpartisan, even though they sought to build on nearly two years of No Kings marches and demonstrations by people unhappy with Trump’s presidency.
People gather near the Lincoln Memorial during a “No Kings” protest as part of a national day of action to encourage early voting ahead of the midterm elections, in Washington, DC, October 17, 2026. Photo by Daniel Heuer/Reuters
One group entertained what seemed like a few hundred people in caps and coats at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. Despite the cold weather, many spectators danced to the music. “VOTE EARLY” and “DON’T TOUCH MY VOTE!” » were among the many signs brandished in the air.
At a rally in Atlanta, City Councilman Michael Julian Bond asked the crowd to urge others to vote before the Nov. 3 general election.
“The Constitution gives you a power, right? It’s the power to vote. Are you going to use that power?” he said.
“You don’t see Superman giving up his power,” Bond continued. “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.”
Protesters gather during a “No Kings: Vote Early” demonstration as part of a coordinated national day of action to encourage early voting in the upcoming midterm elections in Manhattan, New York, October 17, 2026. Photo by Eduardo Munoz/Reuters
Trump has long been wary of mail-in voting and has claimed without evidence that voter fraud cost him the 2020 presidential election.
His administration sued California election officials Thursday, asking a judge to bar the state from counting midterm election mail-in ballots from people the federal government has identified as “likely” noncitizens until their immigration status can be confirmed.
The Justice Department warned Friday that local officials who process and tabulate ballots submitted by suspected non-citizen voters face the risk of criminal investigation and possible prosecution.
Earlier in the day, Democratic Senators Alex Padilla of California, Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Dick Durbin of Illinois wrote to Attorney General Todd Blanche demanding that the Justice Department commit not to seize ballots or other election materials before the midterm elections are certified.
A free press is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue.
Gn usa
