Arizona Politicians Rally in Phoenix for No Kings Protest Movement
October 17, 2026
Arizona’s No Kings Protest Encourages Early Voting and Civic Engagement
With just over two weeks remaining before the election, a significant gathering of Arizona’s political figures, activists, and community members took place in Phoenix as part of the No Kings protest movement across the state.
Speaking to the assembly at Grant Park near downtown Phoenix, former State Representative Raquel Terán urged attendees not only to cast their votes but also to remain engaged beyond Election Day. Terán emphasized the importance of early voting, stating, “We are encouraging our communities not only to vote on Election Day, but to vote early.”
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.
During the event, U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego and Representative Yassamin Ansari also addressed the crowd before participants, some in costumes, marched to the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center. The group was accompanied by live music as they delivered their ballots.
Among the attendees was Randy Hamilton, an independent voter who donned a George Washington costume. He shared his thoughts, saying, “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.”
1 of 6 — washingon-costume-GC-20261017.jpg
Randy Hamilton speaks to KJZZ reporter, Trenton Ashdown, at the Downtown Phoenix No Kings protest at Grant Park on Oct. 17, 2026.
Gisela Contreras
2 of 6 — no-kings-posters-GC-20261017.jpg
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
3 of 6 — ballot-no-kings-GC-20261017.jpg
An attendee holds their ballot at the downtown Phoenix No Kings protest at Grant Park on Oct. 17, 2026.
Gisela Contreras / KJZZ
4 of 6 — benji-cactusband-GC-20261017.jpg
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
5 of 6 — gallego-nokings-GC-20261017.jpg
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
6 of 6 — RaquelTeran-GC-20261017.jpg
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.
