“No Kings,” the coalition known for blanketing the country in protests against President Trump, is setting its sights on a new target as midterm elections approach: voter turnout.
On Oct. 17, organizers around the United States will hold “No Kings: Vote Early” events to promote early voting and help people form voting plans like requesting absentee ballots, checking on their voter registrations or finding neighbors to help them drive to the polls.
“Previous No Kings mobilizations showed the strength of people standing together and rejecting abuses of power,” organizers wrote on the event website. “No Kings: Vote Early is intended to expand on this as a different model of mass nonpartisan public engagement from previous mobilizations.”
Here’s what we know about the events.
What is the meaning behind ‘No Kings’?
The name for the coalition comes from the founding principles of the United States, according to organizers, and is a nod to how King George III wielded power over the colonies that would eventually revolt.
There have been three previous rounds of “No Kings” demonstrations, which have mostly focused on protesting the policies of the second Trump administration.
“We are uniting to demand that our representatives take a stand against Trump’s executive overreach to limit his power and to help us eventually remove the regime and restore democracy before it is too late,” Hunter Dunn, a spokesman for the coalition behind “No Kings,” told The New York Times in 2025.
Who organizes these events?
“No Kings” lists about 200 partners on its website, with a steering committee that includes organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Federation of Teachers and the League of Women Voters.
The “No Kings” coalition says it encourages anyone who wants to be an event host to submit an application, and provides a robust resource guide with rules and guidelines. Events on Oct. 17 are intended to be “lawful, people-led movements as the most successful path to real change,” according to the resource book. Planned acts of civil disobedience are not allowed.
Are this weekend’s rallies different from previous ‘No Kings’ events?
The success of earlier “No Kings” events has often been measured by volume, like in June 2025, when there were 2,000 rallies across all 50 states that attracted more than five million people, according to organizers’ estimates. The events around the country this weekend are meant to be “hyperlocal,” with organizers encouraging hosts to plan multiple events in the same location.
“We’re expecting events to vary from block parties to cookouts to human chains to walks to the polls,” organizers said on the “No Kings” website.
Previous “No Kings” event language centered on taking a stand against Mr. Trump. But organizers say that Saturday’s events are intended to focus solely on generating voter turnout for the midterms and helping voters overcome barriers they might face in trying to cast a ballot.
Where are events being held on Saturday?
Over 2,500 are planned around the country. The organization is maintaining a live map for people looking to find events in their area.
There is also a virtual option for those who cannot physically attend an event. Stacey Abrams, the former Democratic candidate for governor in Georgia, is among the speakers at that virtual event.
Are this weekend’s events partisan?
According to organizers, the events are meant to be nonpartisan. Events may not endorse candidates or invite people running for office to speak on Saturday, and local partner organizations must also be nonpartisan groups.
“No Kings: Vote Early is not about electing or defeating any one candidate or party; it is about protecting our elections and putting power back in the hands of the people,” the event resource book says. “We hold a core commitment to democracy, and are invested in a country where everyone participates, not just the rich and powerful.”
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