No Kings rallies across US push early voting ahead of midterms

Rallies organized by the No Kings network took place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in cities and towns throughout the United States, urging voters to cast their ballots early in the upcoming midterm elections. The group, which has scheduled more than 3,000 events nationwide, branded the day “No Kings: Vote Early.” While the organizers describe the effort as nonpartisan, it builds on nearly two years of protests by people dissatisfied with President Donald Trump’s tenure.

“We are bringing our community together to make a plan to vote early and ensuring every eligible voter understands their options for how to vote and has the opportunity to make their voice heard,” the organizers said in a statement. By promoting early voting, they hope to reduce the chance of any misconduct on Election Day.

At the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., a band performed for a crowd of a few hundred people bundled in caps and coats. Despite the cold, attendees danced and held signs that read “VOTE EARLY” and “HANDS OFF MY VOTE.” In Atlanta, City Councilman Michael Julian Bond addressed the rally, urging listeners to use their constitutional right to vote. “The Constitution gives you one power, right? That is the power to vote. Are you gonna use that power?” he asked. “You don’t see Superman giving up his power. 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.”

Trump has repeatedly questioned the integrity of mail voting, claiming without evidence that fraud cost him the 2020 presidential race. His administration filed a lawsuit on Thursday seeking a court order that would prevent California from counting mail‑in ballots from individuals the federal government has labeled “likely” noncitizens until their immigration status is verified. On Friday, the Department of Justice warned local officials who process and tabulate ballots from suspected noncitizen voters that they could face criminal investigation and possible prosecution.

Earlier that day, Democratic Senators Alex Padilla of California, Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, and Dick Durbin of Illinois wrote to Attorney General Todd Blanche, asking the Justice Department to commit to not seizing ballots or other election materials before the midterms are certified.

The day’s demonstrations were captured in photographs from New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, West Palm Beach, Portland, Maine, and other locations, showing participants holding signs, marching, and gathering at churches and public squares. The events underscored the No Kings network’s push to mobilize early voters ahead of the November 3 general election.