'No Kings' rallies push early voting ahead of US midterm elections

Protesters gathered across the United States for the latest "No Kings" demonstrations as Americans begin casting ballots ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

Dubbed "No Kings: Vote Early," Saturday's event aimed to fire up Americans to vote early in the midterm elections, which will determine which party controls Congress, rather than protest against President Donald Trump and his administration.

"It's a day of nonpartisan voter participation: we are bringing our community together to make a plan to vote early and ensuring every eligible voter understands their options for how to vote and has the opportunity to make their voice heard," organizers said in a statement.

Most areas of the United States allow voters to cast their ballots ahead of time, sometimes weeks in advance.

Trump opposes mail-in voting

Trump repeatedly criticized mail-in voting and sought to restrict the practice ahead of the midterms. He regularly votes by mail-in ballot, arguing that his job makes him an exception to his criticism of the practice. 

The US president blamed election fraud, without providing evidence, for his defeat in the 2020 presidential election against Democrat Joe Biden.

Various surveys have concluded that restricting mail-in ballots could benefit Republicans, as Democratic voters disproportionately use the system to cast their ballots.

Opponents fear that the Trump administration may try to interfere with the midterm results, particularly if Republicans lose the majority.

Opinion polls suggest Democrats are poised to regain control of the House ​of Representatives, while the Senate remains too close to call. 

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Edited by: Sean Sinico

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