No Kings rallies across the country urge Americans to vote early

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Thousands of “No Kings” gatherings took place across the United States on Saturday, with organizers shifting their focus from protest to getting people to vote early in the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

Events were held in cities including Washington, Minneapolis, Kansas City, San Antonio, Portland, Maine, and Golden, Colorado. In Minneapolis, thousands gathered to hear speakers including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, while smaller groups met at ballot drop boxes and county election offices.

“We’re done sending a message,” said Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, one of hundreds of groups in the No Kings coalition. Organizers called the day nonpartisan, banned political endorsements and did not invite candidates to speak.

“If you are eligible to vote, you need to get out there and vote,” said Cammy Dunford, who organized an event in Frisco, Texas. Organizers said they are worried about efforts to restrict mail-in voting and about the presence of federal immigration officers near polling places.