California ‘No Kings’ protests draw crowds in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Santa Monica

‘No Kings’ rallies across Southern California urged early voting and election participation ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

‘No Kings’ demonstrations took place across Southern California and other parts of the United States on Saturday, October 17, as organisers urged eligible voters to prepare for the November 3 midterm elections.

‘No Kings’ rallies across Southern California urged early voting and election participation ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz (REUTERS)

The rallies focused on early voting and election protection, while demonstrators also raised concerns about President Donald Trump’s administration and federal immigration enforcement.

According to USA TODAY, nearly 3,000 events were planned nationwide, including more than 300 in California. The latest campaign, called ‘No Kings: Vote Early’, marked a shift from earlier demonstrations by putting voter participation at the centre of the day’s activities.

In the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, around 50 protesters walked along the boardwalk connecting Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. A larger rally was scheduled at Gloria Molina Grand Park in downtown Los Angeles, with a march planned through the surrounding area.

How this round was different

Previous ‘No Kings’ demonstrations, including rallies in June 2025, October 2025 and March 2026, focused on opposition to Trump and concerns about his administration’s policies. The October 17 events added a stronger focus on helping people understand their voting options and make plans to cast their ballots early.

The No Kings coalition described the campaign as a nonpartisan voter participation effort. Activities included rallies, neighbourhood events and voter information sessions.

The demonstrations also took place amid a dispute between the federal government and California over voting records and mail-in ballots. The US Justice Department sought to stop California from counting certain ballots linked to people it alleged could be noncitizens until their citizenship status was checked. California officials questioned the federal claims.

Downtown LA rally and march

The downtown Los Angeles rally was organised by 50501 SoCal and the Los Angeles No Kings Coalition, alongside more than 30 other organisations. The event listing on Mobilize scheduled the gathering for 1 p.m. at Gloria Molina Grand Park, near City Hall, followed by a march at 2 p.m.

The programme included speakers, musical performances and activities involving local Indigenous communities. Organisers also planned voter outreach to help eligible residents understand how they could take part in the election.

A separate demonstration was scheduled in Pasadena from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue. Organisers said that event would also focus on early voting and concerns about the Trump administration.

LAPD issues traffic warning

The Los Angeles Police Department warned that demonstrations could affect traffic in downtown Los Angeles. In a post on X, the department advised people to use caution around Spring, Los Angeles, Aliso, Commercial, First, Temple and Alameda streets.

California’s voter registration deadline for the November 3 election was October 19. The rallies took place as organisers encouraged eligible residents to check their registration and make a plan to vote.

‘No Kings’ protest locations across Southern California

USA TODAY published a non-exhaustive list of Southern California communities where events were planned, based on a map shared by organisers. The locations included:

• Alhambra
• Aliso Viejo
• Alpine
• Bakersfield
• Baldwin Park
• Beaumont
• Beverly Hills
• Brea
• Borrego Springs
• Burbank
• Carpinteria
• Cathedral City
• Chino Hills
• Chula Vista
• Corona
• Crestline
• Culver City
• Duarte
• El Cajon
• Encino
• Fallbrook
• Fontana
• Glendale
• Guadalupe
• Hemet
• Highland Park
• Huntington Beach Pier
• Indio
• Irvine
• Joshua Tree
• Julian
• Laguna Hills
• Laguna Niguel
• La Habra
• La Jolla
• Lakewood
• La Mesa
• Lompoc
• Long Beach
• Los Angeles
• Malibu
• Monterey Park
• Newport Beach
• North Hollywood
• Northridge
• Oceanside
• Orcutt
• Palmdale
• Pasadena
• Pomona
• Palm Springs
• Palm Desert
• Ramona
• Rancho Cucamonga
• Rancho Palos Verdes
• Riverside
• San Clemente
• San Diego
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Clarita
• Santa Maria
• Seal Beach
• Sherman Oaks
• Sierra Madre
• Simi Valley
• Sun Valley
• Temecula
• Thousand Oaks
• Topanga
• Torrance
• Tustin
• Valley Center
• Ventura
• Victorville
• West Hollywood
• Whittier
• Woodland Hills