"No Kings" demonstrators rally across South Florida, urge voters to turn out for midterm elections

The nationwide "No Kings" movement returned to South Florida on Saturday, with events across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties aimed at encouraging voter participation ahead of the November midterm elections.

The latest mobilization, dubbed "No Kings: Vote Early," marks a shift in focus for the movement, which has organized demonstrations against President Donald Trump and his administration for more than a year. This time, organizers said they hoped to turn protest participation into voter turnout ahead of the Nov. 3 elections.

In Fort Lauderdale, crowds gathered at the intersection of Oakland Park Boulevard and U.S. 1, where Chopper 4 captured aerial footage of demonstrators filling the intersection.

The gathering added to a growing list of demonstrations in South Florida since Trump began his second term. An organizer said protesters have gathered in Wilton Manors every Saturday for the past 85 weeks.

Protesters called for Democrats to regain control of the U.S. House and Senate, while urging Floridians to vote in races that include a U.S. Senate seat and the governor's office.

For Florida International University freshman Max Fajardo-Martinez, who will be voting for the first time, the demonstration was an opportunity to make her voice heard.

"I wanna make my voice heard and I wanna be able to take a stand against the injustice in this country," Fajardo-Martinez said.

Protesters emphasize voter turnout ahead of midterms

Organizers said one of their main goals was to encourage more voters to participate in the upcoming election, particularly in Broward County.

"Our goal is to get Broward County out there. We all know that for the past twelve years, Broward County Democrats have not shown up," said John McNeice.

But Broward County Republican Party Chairman Chris Marino dismissed the demonstrations, saying the participants represented a small portion of the population.

"There is a very small number of people out there comparative to the population," Marino said in a statement to CBS News Miami. "The small amount of people make a lot of noise."

Marino also argued that demonstrators have failed to recognize what he described as the benefits of Republican policies.

Some protesters said their concerns extended beyond the election itself. A demonstrator identified as Kim said immigration enforcement and women's rights were among the issues motivating her to vote.

"It boggles my mind that ICE can do what they're doing. It is so unfair without due process," Kim said.

For voter Nicholas Alexander, affordable housing was a top priority heading into November.

"I want my family, my kids to be able to have that opportunity to buy homes around the area we grew up in," Alexander said.

Early voting in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties begins Monday, Oct. 19, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 1. Dates vary elsewhere in Florida.

More than 1,500 events were planned across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., according to organizers. Activities were expected to include rallies, neighborhood gatherings, voter registration initiatives, group walks to polling places and workshops focused on election protection.

Where were No Kings events expected in South Florida?

In Miami-Dade, events were expected to take place across the county, from North Miami, to the El Portal area and Coral Gables.

Demonstrators planned to display signs along a pedestrian overpass near I-95 during the late morning and early afternoon. Another event in Miami was scheduled for the late afternoon and evening, featuring live music, art, educational programs and guest speakers.

Broward was expected to host several gatherings throughout Saturday, including events in Coral Springs, Lauderhill, Wilton Manors, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale and Miramar. Most were scheduled for the morning and early afternoon, while the Miramar event was expected to take place later in the afternoon.

Additional events were planned across Palm Beach County, including Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach and Wellington, with gatherings expected from midmorning through the afternoon. 

In Monroe County, organizers planned a morning event in Key Largo.

The nationwide effort came as South Florida voters prepared for the start of early voting in parts of the region, with Election Day scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3.