Arizona Politicians Encourage Early Voting at No Kings Protest
Arizona politicians, protestors, and community organizers rallied in Phoenix to encourage voting and activism.
Arizona’s Political Leaders Urge Voter Participation in Pre-Election Rally
With less than three weeks until the elections, a significant gathering took place in Phoenix, Arizona. Politicians, protestors, and community activists came together for the No Kings protest, a part of a larger movement across the state.
Former state Representative Raquel Terán addressed the attendees at Grant Park, located near downtown Phoenix. She emphasized the importance of not just voting but remaining engaged in civic activities beyond the election period.
“We are encouraging our communities not only to vote on Election Day, but to vote early,” Terán stated to the gathered crowd.
Former Arizona State Rep. Raquel Terán speaks to KJZZ reporter Trenton Ashdown at the downtown Phoenix No Kings protest at Grant Park on Oct. 17, 2026.
Among the speakers were U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego and Representative Yassamin Ansari, who addressed the crowd before participants, some in costumes, marched to the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center. The marchers were accompanied by live music as they delivered their ballots.
Randy Hamilton, dressed as George Washington, expressed his views on the importance of making informed voting decisions. “Go through the efforts to study, and pick the good candidates and sift out fact from fiction. It takes a little work, but freedom is worth it,” he commented.
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Randy Hamilton speaks to KJZZ reporter, Trenton Ashdown, at the Downtown Phoenix No Kings protest at Grant Park on Oct. 17, 2026.
Gisela Contreras
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Tamara Miller, left, holds a “Vote early! Vote democracy. No kings” sign, Joe Griffin, right, holds a “No Kings No thrones No crowns Vote early!” sign at Downtown Phoenix No Kings protest at Grant Park on Oct. 17, 2026.
Gisela Contreras / KJZZ
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An attendee holds their ballot at the downtown Phoenix No Kings protest at Grant Park on Oct. 17, 2026.
Gisela Contreras / KJZZ
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Benjie Messer, trombone player for the Bad Cactus Brass Band, speaks to KJZZ reporter Trenton Ashdown at the downtown Phoenix No Kings protest at Grant Park on Oct. 17, 2026.
Gisela Contreras / KJZZ
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U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego speaks on stage while other speakers join him in holding up ballots at the downtown Phoenix No Kings protest at Grant Park on Oct. 17, 2026.
Gisela Contreras / KJZZ
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Former Arizona State Rep. Raquel Terán speaks to KJZZ reporter Trenton Ashdown at the downtown Phoenix No Kings protest at Grant Park on Oct. 17, 2026.
