The “No Kings” event held in Great Neck, Long Island, focused on voting and electoral security. About 150 people gathered to express their concerns about the government and encourage voter participation, transforming a local rally into a day of speeches, poetry and songs in favor of protecting elections.
The “No Kings: Vote Early” rally was held on October 17 at Firefighters Park, and was attended by people from Nassau and Queens counties.
The organizer, Nina Gordon, noted that attendance exceeded expectations, as more people attended than had previously registered. “We had a good turnout,” Gordon said. “More than I expected.”
Poet Ronald Gross recited poems about voting, while former New York State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel and Great Neck political activist Robert Zimmerman addressed those present.
Meanwhile, the group “Singing Resistance Great Neck” led attendees in songs of solidarity.
The event, co-hosted by Reach Out America, the League of Women Voters and Singing Resistance Great Neck, was part of a nationwide initiative to promote early voting ahead of the midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Gordon explained that organizers emphasized that the elections are administered by the state, and urged residents not to be distracted by political rhetoric or threats of interference.
“Our vote is our power,” he said, encouraging attendees to plan their vote and invite someone else to go to the polls.
According to Gordon, this was one of about 10 “No Kings” events held on Long Island, and the only one that took place in northern Nassau County. Other activities took place in Merrick and various communities in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
The national “No Kings” coalition reported that nearly 3,000 events were held in all 50 states on October 17, calling this initiative its largest single-day mobilization for early voting.
The group said its next priority is to ensure that eligible voters cast their ballots before Election Day, as well as preparing local networks to respond to any potential election interference.
The coalition’s rally day also suffered a setback when Instagram temporarily suspended its main account. Meta apologized, explaining that its automated systems had mistakenly identified the activity as “bots.”
The coalition expressed concern about the loss of access during a major mobilization, although there is no evidence to indicate that the suspension was politically motivated.
Gordon noted that the group “Singing Resistance Great Neck” plans to sing at polling places during the final weekend of early voting, with the goal of fostering a peaceful environment and reducing tensions.
