Photos: No Kings rallies in US urge midterm voters to cast ballots early | Politics News
Nationwide Rallies Encourage Early Voting Ahead of Midterm Elections
Published: Oct. 17, 2026
Rallies organized by the No Kings network took place Saturday in various cities across the United States, aiming to mobilize voters for early participation in the upcoming midterm elections.
With over 3,000 events scheduled nationwide, the initiative, termed “No Kings: Vote Early,” was presented as a nonpartisan effort. This campaign builds on nearly two years of demonstrations led by individuals dissatisfied with the presidency of Donald Trump.
“It’s a day of nonpartisan voter participation,” the organizers stated. “We are bringing our community together to make a plan to vote early and ensuring every eligible voter understands their options and has the opportunity to make their voice heard.”
By promoting early voting, participants hope to mitigate potential electoral fraud as election day approaches.
At the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., a band provided entertainment for a few hundred attendees who braved the cool weather. Many in the crowd danced and held signs reading “VOTE EARLY” and “HANDS OFF MY VOTE!”
In Atlanta, City Councilman Michael Julian Bond addressed the crowd, encouraging them to motivate others to cast their ballots before the general election on November 3.
“The Constitution gives you one power: the power to vote. Are you gonna use that power?” Bond asked, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. “You don’t see Superman giving up his power. 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.”
Meanwhile, Trump has expressed skepticism about mail-in voting, claiming without evidence that it contributed to his loss in the 2020 presidential election. His administration recently filed a lawsuit against California election officials, seeking to prevent the state from counting mail-in ballots from individuals identified by the federal government as “likely” noncitizens until their immigration status is verified.
On Friday, the Department of Justice issued a warning to local officials responsible for processing ballots submitted by suspected noncitizen voters, indicating they may face criminal investigation and potential prosecution.
Additionally, Democratic Senators Alex Padilla of California, Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, and Dick Durbin of Illinois sent a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, urging the Justice Department to refrain from seizing ballots or other election materials prior to the certification of the midterm elections.
