At latest No Kings rally in Seattle, thousands say, ‘Your vote matters’

Thousands filled Seattle Center on Saturday, gathering to learn about voting rights, local and regional issues on the ballot, and civic engagement ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The “Vote Early” event was part of national No Kings rallies, which have happened at least four times since President Donald Trump was reelected in 2024. Earlier rallies opposed Trump. Saturday’s event, while still full of anti-Trump slogans and sentiment, focused on nonpartisan voter turnout ahead of the general election.

“This is a critical election,” said Hayward Evans, president of the Seattle King County NAACP chapter, during a speech after the march. “We need to come out in droves. This is about we the people, not one president.”

Ballots have been mailed ahead of the Nov. 3 election, and officials are urging people to turn in ballots early and use drop boxes, especially as the Trump administration targets mail-in voting.

“Here in King County and Washington state, we have lots of confidence in our voting officials. They have a real commitment to protecting it,” said Robin Stanton, a spokesperson for No Kings Seattle. “But across the country, it’s a different story.”

Activities were scheduled throughout the day, with a music festival on Capitol Hill and a “No ICE march” from Capitol Hill to Westlake Park.

Hundreds of people briefly gathered at Westlake Park, then made their way through downtown Seattle. People chanted “ICE Out” and “Free Palestine” and held signs decrying the Trump administration as they poured into the Seattle Center grounds for music, speakers and a voting fair. People could register to vote, learn about election protections and hear about issues on Washington ballots.

Robin Cockey held a sign that said: “If you don’t care about politics, you don’t care about … ” and then displayed an LED sign with a rotating list of issues: human rights, healthcare, climate, war.

“A lot of people kind of shrug their shoulders at politics,” Cockey said.

But people don’t always make the connection that it impacts all aspects of their lives — from where their tax dollars go to public safety, she said.

“I kind of put it to use demonstrating why your vote matters,” Cockey said.

Local organizations like Seattle King County NAACP, King County Elections, and the Voter Protection Alliance were at the event, talking to people about voting rights issues. Groups taking stands on current ballot measures were also there, such as the No 645 campaign, which opposes repealing the Washington state “millionaires tax,” and the No Hate in WA State campaign, which opposes measures that would give parents access to their children’s mental health records and ban transgender athletes from competing in girls sports.

Seattle Strike, an effort to organize a “general strike” in protest of billionaires and the ruling class, said they were eager to educate people on the power of a strike.

The group focuses on work stoppages and consumer boycotts in top economic cities to protest power structures.

“We’re preparing for what comes after the election — to build a community that’s ready to stand for our democracy,” said Laura Yurka, an organizer with Seattle Strike.

The Voter Protection Alliance, a coalition of dozens of democracy and civic engagement organizations, handed out flyers with steps on how to vote and on how to verify a ballot has been counted. Voters can check voter.votewa.gov to see if their ballot has been received or challenged.

The group will also host a webinar on Wednesday with the secretary of state’s office to discuss concerns about how voters might be deterred this election — including federal agents at ballot boxes.

Saturday’s event was peaceful.

“Thanks to everyone who came out to march today and for those affected by traffic changes,” Seattle police posted on X. “There were thousands of participants and not a single arrest. See you all on the next one.”