The key facts

  • The “No Kings” movement is holding more than 3,000 events in the US on October 17 — the fourth action since Trump’s return to office
  • For the first time, the action is dedicated not to protest but to early voting ahead of the midterm elections on November 3
  • Organizers hope that high turnout will make the election results indisputable

Thousands of actions across the country

The “No Kings” movement, known for anti-government protests against President Donald Trump and his Republican administration, is holding its fourth wave of actions since Trump’s return to the White House on October 17. This time, more than 3,000 events are planned across the United States. The action has been titled “No Kings: Vote Early” and, according to AFP, is for the first time aimed not at protesting the administration’s actions but at encouraging participation in elections.

Format of the events

The day’s program varies greatly depending on the city: in Los Angeles a music festival is planned, in Washington a march to the Supreme Court, in Chicago family workshops, and in Atlanta training for election observers. Organizers called the day a “nonpartisan campaign for voter participation” in a statement: participants are expected to make an early voting plan and make sure every voter knows their voting options.

Organizers’ motivation

Deirdre Schifeling, head of the political and advocacy division of the ACLU — one of the partner organizations of the action — called the upcoming events “thousands of joyful celebrations of our right to vote across the country.” Alma Couverthie, who oversees grassroots organizing at the advocacy organization Common Cause, urged participants to go to polling places together, organize rides, and bring neighbors, friends, and relatives.

Election context

Although Election Day is set for Tuesday, November 3, in most parts of the US it is possible to vote early, sometimes several weeks in advance. Trump has openly criticized mail-in voting, while opponents have expressed concerns that the administration may attempt to contest the results — especially if Republicans lose, which, according to polls, is quite likely. According to Couverthie, the best way to prevent possible abuses after Election Day is to ensure turnout so massive and visible that the victory would be “impossible to contest.”