No Kings rallies are returning Saturday for a fourth time, but the focus will be different as the midterm elections approach.
Rather than centering on speakers and large demonstrations as in previous rallies, No Kings 4 organizers are emphasizing voter registration, early voting and efforts to get people to the polls.
As Democrats attempt to take back the majority in the U.S. House and Senate, Texas, Michigan and Alaska will be among the most closely watched races in the Nov. 3 midterms. The consistently blue state of Massachusetts does not have any of these high-stakes political contests.
However, in the state’s most high-profile race, incumbent Gov. Maura Healey is looking to secure a second four-year term, while her Republican challenger, Mike Minogue, continues to trail in polls.
A mid-September University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll showed Healey leading Minogue 54% to 38%, with roughly 7% to 8% of voters undecided or expressing no preference, according to the Boston Herald.
But voters will also face an unusually large slate of ballot questions. Nine questions will appear on the ballot, marking the fourth time in state history that many have been presented to voters. No Massachusetts ballot has featured 10 questions.
The questions cover a range of issues, including gun control, restrictions on retail cannabis, statewide zoning for single-family homes and whether to cap state revenue.
More than 120 rallies are planned across Massachusetts, including 10 in the Pioneer Valley. More than 2,500 events are planned nationwide.
The nationwide rallies are organized by Indivisible, a progressive grassroots movement and nonprofit organization founded in 2016 by former congressional staffers. They describe the events as nonpartisan and insist on no violence at the events.
In Northampton, music and family-friendly activities will accompany efforts to help residents register to vote, check their registration and learn about the ballot at the event scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. at Pulaski Park, 240 Main St., said Mary Wang-Boucher, a member of Northampton Resists.
There will also be tables for people to learn about candidates and the ballot questions.
The event has been organized by Climate Action Now, Indivisible Northampton, Northampton Resists!, River Valley Democratic Socialists of America, River Valley Antiwar Committee, River Valley Freedom Road Socialist Organization and Veterans for Peace. The Northampton Parents Center will also run a children’s play area.
“This is more of a family-friendly fair to encourage people to vote early, check their registration, register to vote,” she said. “It is a nonpartisan get-out-the-vote event, with tablers, music and a kids area. No Kings 4 nationally is emphasizing local events that will encourage people to get out the vote, as we are so close to midterms.”
In Sunderland, organizers said the event is intended to encourage early voting and voter registration as part of a nationwide get-out-the-vote effort.
“We must stop the erosion of our right to vote with a massive turnout in 2026. I believe we are at risk of losing the ability to vote altogether,” said Diane Gumaer of Sunderland. “We must protect our right to vote, and to be heard.”
Sunderland’s event begins at 9 a.m. at the town center for a visibility demonstration and singing. At 10 a.m., attendees will walk to Sunderland Town Hall, 12 School St., where registered town voters will be invited to vote early, either in person or by placing their ballots in the drop box. Others can remain at the intersection with signs until 10:30 a.m.
Organizer Scott Gudell said he is voting to support safety, freedom and opportunity for all, including immigrants seeking a new start in the United States.
“I’m voting because everyone in the United States should feel safe, not just a select few. I want the United States to live up to its promise of freedom and opportunity for all. I want the U.S. to be a safe haven for immigrants to come here for a new start for themselves and their families,” he said.
Other No Kings 4 events in the region this Saturday will take place:
- At Amherst-Pelham Regional High School parking lot, 21 Mattoon St., from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- On the Belchertown Town Common, 25 Park St., from 10 a.m. to noon.
- At Nashawannuck Pond in Easthampton, 50 Payson Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- At Granby Town Center, 1 Library Lane, from 8:45 to 10 a.m.
- In Hadley in front of the Pride station, 25 Russell St., from 12 to 2 p.m.
- At Pelham Community Hall, 40 Amherst Road, from 11 a.m. to noon.
- At the South Hadley Town Common, 1 Hadley St., from 10 a.m. to noon.
- At Worthington Town Hall, 160 Huntington Road., from 10 a.m. to noon.
