More than 3,000 events are slated to take place across the United States on October 17 as part of the latest series of No Kings actions, focusing primarily on early voting and increasing voter turnout. Millions of Americans are expected to participate in these gatherings, which in some cases will involve marches to polling sites.
No Kings, a coalition that includes labor unions, progressive activists, civil rights organizations, and faith leaders, was initially formed in response to concerns about election interference during former President Donald Trump’s administration. The group aims to counteract perceived threats to democratic processes by encouraging widespread voter participation. According to Ezra Levin, cofounder of the liberal advocacy group Indivisible, the focus has shifted from protest to engagement, with early voting seen as a crucial tool to protect elections from potential disruptions.
Levin explained that the name “No Kings” reflects organizers’ view that President Trump has acted in a manner akin to an authoritarian leader rather than a democratic one. The coalition’s members include the American Federation of Teachers, Black Voters Matter Fund, Voto Latino, MoveOn, and Public Citizen, among others. The earlier No Kings demonstrations were among the largest protests in recent U.S. history and were noted for their nonviolent nature, which organizers emphasize remains a priority.
The current efforts build on a strategy of decentralization initiated in the second term of the Trump administration, moving away from large centralized protests to smaller, accessible events in more localized settings. Levin highlighted that this approach fosters ongoing civic engagement within communities, as people are more likely to participate in activities connected to their everyday lives rather than traveling to distant demonstrations.
Rachel O’Leary Carmona, executive director of Women’s March, pointed out that decentralized organizing is particularly effective for involving busy women, who often juggle multiple commitments. She noted that national organizers provide resources to support activism within existing social groups, making participation more manageable.
Events scheduled nationwide reflect this grassroots emphasis. For example, in St. Petersburg, Florida, approximately 1,000 people will gather on a beach to form the phrase “Go Vote” with their bodies. In Dubuque, Iowa, a day of music, speakers, games, and voter information booths will culminate in a march to a polling location. Other planned activities include voter registration drives in Livingston, Montana, and a march in Alpine, Texas, from city hall to the courthouse.
In Omaha, Nebraska, local groups will distribute voting information and assist with voter registration at Gallagher Park, according to Kate McDonnell, organizer with Omaha MoveOn. She emphasized that their role is to provide nonpartisan support, helping voters access polling sites and understand their options without influencing individual choices. McDonnell also noted that their activism extends beyond voting efforts to community service, including collecting supplies for food banks and the homeless.
The White House dismissed the No Kings initiative, with spokeswoman Lauren Bis characterizing the group’s focus on voting as proof of their need to reconsider their approach. “Americans have a clear choice between President Trump and Republicans’ commonsense policies or the extreme Democrats’ radical socialist, open-border policies,” Bis said.
As early voting begins, the No Kings coalition continues to prioritize voter turnout as the primary safeguard against threats to the electoral process, underscoring the importance of participating in democracy through the ballot box.