No Kings rallies across U.S. urge early voting ahead of midterms

Hundreds attended events in cities including Washington, D.C., and Atlanta as the group seeks to boost early voting.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 18 Oct 2026 04:38:25 GMT

Rallies organized by the No Kings network, which opposes President Donald Trump, were held on Saturday, Oct. 17 in cities and communities across the United States, urging voters to cast their ballots early before the Nov. 3 midterm elections, according to the Associated Press and Al Jazeera.

What happened

The events were billed as nonpartisan “No Kings: Vote Early” gatherings. Organisers said more than 3,000 events were planned nationwide. At the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., a band played while a few hundred attendees in caps and coats listened and danced despite chilly weather. In Atlanta, City Councilman Michael Julian Bond addressed the crowd, encouraging others to vote ahead of Election Day.

What the reports add

The Associated Press noted that the rallies built on nearly two years of No Kings marches and demonstrations.
Al Jazeera reported that the “Vote Early” push is intended to cut off the potential for any malfeasance once election day rolls around.
Both outlets described signs such as “VOTE EARLY” and “HANDS OFF MY VOTE!” displayed at the gatherings.
Trump’s administration sued California election officials on Thursday, seeking to bar the state from counting mail‑in ballots from individuals the federal government has identified as “likely” noncitizens until their immigration status is confirmed.
The Justice Department warned on Friday that local officials who process and tabulate ballots submitted by suspected noncitizen voters could face criminal investigation and prosecution.
Senators Alex Padilla (D‑Calif.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D‑R.I.) and Dick Durbin (D‑Ill.) wrote to Attorney General Todd Blanche demanding that the Justice Department commit not to seize ballots or other election materials before the midterms are certified.

What was said

“It’s a day of nonpartisan voter participation: 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,”

organisers said in a statement quoted by Al Jazeera.

“The Constitution gives you one power, right? That is the power to vote. Are you gonna use that power?” Bond 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.”

Bond’s remarks were reported by both the Associated Press and Al Jazeera.

How it came about

The No Kings network has staged protests and marches since 2024, aiming to mobilise opposition to Trump’s presidency. The current “Vote Early” push follows a broader national trend of expanding early‑voting options, highlighted in Felo’s earlier coverage of Virginia’s early‑voting rollout Virginia Starts Early Voting for 2026 Midterms. The rallies also occurred as President Trump held a Kentucky rally on Oct. 17, reported by Felo Trump rallies in Kentucky, repeats attacks on Democrats ahead of midterms, underscoring the heightened political activity ahead of the midterms.

Key facts

No Kings organized more than 3,000 early‑voting rallies across the U.S. on Oct. 17, 2026. (aljazeera.com)
A band performed at the Lincoln Memorial while a few hundred people attended. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Atlanta City Councilman Michael Julian Bond urged early voting at a rally. (aljazeera.com)
Organisers described the events as nonpartisan and aimed to reduce election‑day malfeasance. (aljazeera.com)