For Trump opponents, the midterms have already begun as ‘No Kings’ rallies push early voting at county elections offices
The rallies also encouraged people to sign up to serve as poll watchers on Election Day.
Scores of people showed up at Philadelphia City Hall Saturday, to protest President Donald Trump, to demand change — and to vote in the midterm election.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, but the coalition of progressive groups behind the “No Kings” protests over the past two years are encouraging people to vote early. The Philadelphia rally was among many held throughout the region and nationally Saturday.
Unlike New Jersey and some other states, Pennsylvania doesn’t have traditional early voting. But Pennsylvanians can still go to their county elections office; register to vote if not already registered; and request a mail ballot, vote, and deposit it into a secure drop box on-site.
Any voter can do this, but Democrats are seizing on the approach to ensure high turnout in a year when polling shows they could take control of Congress.
“It feels great,” said Stephen Benjamin of Fairmount, after casting his ballot at City Hall. “This election feels absolutely pivotal.”
Benjamin has been involved in the No Kings events since the second Trump administration began. Now he’s hoping these rallies translate into high voter turnout.
“I think there’s a real possibility that we made a difference,” he said.
Candace Roberts of Society Hill mentioned that the Trump administration tried to get the U.S. Postal Service to restrict mail ballots — delivering them only to people who showed up on lists compiled by states. The U.S. Supreme Court in September ruled against this effort, but it left Roberts concerned.
“But voting here, you’re safe, because there’s no mail to send. You put it right into the box,” Roberts said.
The retired graphic designer said she has mailed postcards to about 200 people encouraging them to vote, and has volunteered to serve as a poll worker on Election Day.
She’s not the only one. Common Cause organizer Mike Cogbill said his team has signed up 1,000 poll watchers so far this year. He handed out election-protection-themed T-shirts at the rally.
Cogbill, a Fairmount resident who lost a Democratic state Senate primary to Art Haywood this year, said the excesses of the Department of Justice have motivated Democratic voters this year. He pointed to the recent search of the home of U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.
The 37-year-old said the No Kings rallies have been a great way to bring together people frustrated with the Trump administration, and he’s optimistic that the rallies will translate into turnout among Democrats.
“This is the last MAGA midterm,” Cogbill said. “We’re still going to have to protest, though.”
Walter Elling of Fairmount was dressed up like Uncle Sam for the voting rally, and had the gray beard to match his stars-and-stripes outfit. Elling said he’s worn it for years on the Fourth of July. Since the second Trump presidency, he’s brought out the patriotic garb for protests, too.
“I want everyone to know they should vote as early as possible, before the shenanigans start,” Elling said.
Elling said Trump has talked about taking steps that would prevent a fair election, and pointed to the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack as an example of what his supporters are willing to do when they lose.
Elling said he’s hopeful that Democrats will take control of Congress, and when they do they must swiftly investigate and convict administration officials involved in financial corruption.
That’s not enough, though, Ellis said. He said inflation and the war in Iran have made life harder for all Americans. Medicare for All and getting money out of politics are also on his wish list.
He doesn’t see these as extreme positions.
“I want the Constitution to be enforced,” Elling said, referring to what he sees as Trump administration crackdowns on free speech. “I think most people want that. Most people want money out of politics.”
