Updated Oct. 17, 2026, at 3:53 p.m.
In a spirited display of civic engagement, throngs of people gathered at the Michigan Capitol on Saturday to participate in a No Kings rally emphasizing the importance of early voting. This event in Lansing was part of a series of over 50 events across the state marking the fourth installment of the No Kings series.
Among the attendees was Janet Shepler, a veteran of all four rallies, who expressed satisfaction with the proactive focus of the gathering. “This feels different,” Shepler remarked. “This feels more directed towards what’s coming up, not just a general protest.”
Although the rally was promoted as non-partisan, many participants carried signs critical of President Donald Trump. Cheryl VanDeKerkhove, an organizer of the rally, attributed this to the nonprofit organizations sponsoring the event. She acknowledged some Democrats’ disappointment that electoral candidates were not invited to speak, noting the event’s aim was to provide valuable information while enjoying the process.
VanDeKerkhove expressed surprise at the large turnout, given that many politically active individuals are typically busy canvassing during this period. Shepler added that witnessing the presence of like-minded individuals offered her encouragement. “You see so much that’s negative in the press, and there’s so many good people doing really good things,” Shepler stated. “This is America, and there are a lot more of us than the crazies.”
The Capitol event featured performances by the MI Vote Strummers and offered guidance on handling potential polling challenges. Participants later marched around Capitol Square.
Meanwhile, in Owosso, groups carrying signs arrived to find no rally, but volunteers were present to assist with voter registration instead. This gathering occurred in front of Curwood Castle, which Oakland County resident Janet Robers pointed out, fittingly, houses no kings. “We were founded on a country that was trying to get rid of a king, and now we have, basically, someone that sees himself as a king,” Roberts commented. “So, it’s interesting on our 250th anniversary that we’re fighting this battle again.”
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