More than 70 people gathered in the rain Saturday morning in Juneau to partake in a nationwide No Kings rally downtown.
The rally aimed to inspire people to get out and vote in this November’s midterm election. Bundled up in rain gear at the Juneau-Douglas bridge intersection, Judy Urquhart said she’s using her vote to protect her freedoms.
“Just please vote. The whole movement today, coast to coast, is about voting,” she said. “Please go vote. Exercise your right, and as my sign says, it’s your power.”
The No Kings protest series began following President Donald Trump’s return to office. Advocates say the protests are meant to push back against the Trump administration and the president’s actions, which resemble those of a monarch.
Several have been held across the country since then, with thousands of communities and millions of people participating. This time around, more than a dozen communities in Alaska, including Fairbanks, Nome, Ketchikan and Gustavus, joined in.
In Juneau, Irene Morris held a sign that read “Your Vote, Your Voice, Your Power.” She said now more than ever, it’s important to stand up for democracy.
“We have to show that this is a people’s country. This is a people’s country, and it was based on individuals’ rights and individuals wanting to have a place where they feel like they’re part of everything,” she said.
Early voting for the midterms kicked off on Monday for most of Alaska. Polls opened Monday morning for the 15 days leading up to Election Day on Nov. 3. This year, Alaskans are voting on races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor and the state Legislature, along with two ballot measures.
To learn more about where the candidates stand on the issues, check out the 2026 Voter Guide on ktoo.org. The guide was put together by KTOO, Alaska Public Media, the Anchorage Daily News and the Alaska Beacon.
In Juneau, early voting is available at the State Office Building and the Region I Elections Office in the Mendenhall Mall annex during weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voters can also cast their ballots at the mall on the weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Polls will be open on Election Day, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
