'No Kings' rallies across US focus on midterm voter turnout

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 01:02 · Archive

Thousands gathered at 'No Kings' rallies across the United States on Saturday to encourage voter turnout ahead of November's midterm elections.

Thousands of people gathered at 'No Kings' rallies across the United States on Saturday, part of more than 3,000 demonstrations held across all 50 states, according to the No Kings Coalition. The rallies took place two weeks before the November midterm elections and sought to encourage voters to participate in the upcoming vote.

In Michigan, hundreds gathered at the State Capitol in Lansing and thousands attended a rally in Grand Rapids. Speakers emphasised that political power belongs to citizens. 'Power does not belong to billionaires. Power does not belong to strongmen,' said Cheryl VanDeKerkhove of the Crowded Table Coalition. 'Power belongs to the people, but only if we use it.'

Some attendees cited economic concerns as motivation for voting. Bri Terry, who travelled from eastern Michigan to the Grand Rapids rally, said rising costs were affecting everyday decisions. 'The fact that I have to make choices on whether I can bring my kids to visit their grandma across the state because gas is so expensive,' she said.

Norm Shinkle, co-chair of the Ingham County Republican Party, characterised the rallies as an attempt by Democratic supporters to boost voter turnout. Early voting for Michigan's midterms began on 24 October.

How it is being reported

• No Kings Rally in Grand Rapids encourages voter turnout before midtermsAnother round of No King's rallies brought thousands of people to demonstrations across the country. Two weeks out from the midterm election, these events put an emphasis on encouraging voters to participate in the upcoming election, no matter what they are voting for. The No Kings Coalition says more than 3,000 demonstrations took place across all 50 states on Saturday.Woodtv · 18 Oct, 00:50
• ‘No Kings’ rally in Lansing shifts focus to midterm electionsHundreds of people gathered at the Michigan State Capitol on Saturday for the latest “No Kings” rally, with organizers focusing their message on the upcoming November midterm elections.WILX · 18 Oct, 00:16

In this story: United States · Michigan · Lansing · Grand Rapids · No Kings Coalition · Crowded Table Coalition · Cheryl VanDeKerkhove · Ingham County Republican Party

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