“No Kings, Vote Now” was the theme of a rally in Atlanta, one of many organised across the US on Saturday. While many demonstrators denounced President Donald Trump’s policies, organisers said the rally was aimed at getting out the vote in the November 3 midterm elections and protecting democracy in America.

Demonstrators rally at the Lincoln Memorial during a "No Kings" protest in Washington, October 17, 2026. © Jose Luis Magana, AP Standing behind a big, blue “Defending Democracy” sign, Kelsea Bond addressed a gathering at a park in midtown Atlanta on Saturday at the start of a “No Kings” rally, one of many across the US, as the country prepares to go to the polls in the November 3 midterm elections“We need to build a society that works for the working class, not the billionaires,” said Bond.

“Yeah!” many in the crowd responded. “Right!” added a woman holding a “In 2026: Dump Trump” placard. “We need an economy, we need a society that is democratically run by working people because keep this economy running,” said Bond, a labour organiser, politician and elected member of the Atlanta City Council.

Atlanta City Council member Kelsea Bond addresses a "No KIngs" rally at Piedmont Park, Atlanta on October 17, 2026. © Leela Jacinto, France 24 At 33, Bond is the youngest serving councillor and its first Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member. A political group championing progressive issues, the DSA is not a political party. Bond ran for the District 2 seat on the city council last year as an independent candidate.

DSA members are focused on getting the Democrats to address progressive issues, sparking headlines on differences between mainstream and left-wing camps within the party.