Politics
Madison protest draws 1,500, with organizers pressing for an early-voting plan
A No Kings march in downtown Madison grew from about 1,000 people to roughly 1,500 as it moved from James Madison Park to the Capitol and City Hall. Speakers focused on the 2026 midterms, voting rights and the start of Wisconsin early voting on Oct. 20.
About 1,000 people gathered at James Madison Park in downtown Madison on Saturday, Oct. 17, for a No Kings protest. The crowd grew to an estimated 1,500 as marchers walked toward the Capitol and around the Square, with police stopping traffic at intersections. The group later gathered in front of City Hall to hear speakers urge people to vote in the 2026 midterm elections.
The Forward Marching Band played “Solidarity Forever” as marchers carried signs opposing the Trump administration. Several participants said they were motivated by concerns about public services, reproductive rights, housing costs and the country’s direction.
Gina Idsinga, who came from McFarland, carried a sign bearing the names of her five grandchildren and the message, “I need to be able to tell my grandchildren I did not stay silent.” She said people needed to come together and keep their communities in mind.
Her friend Dee Reid said she came to support abortion rights, Social Security and the Affordable Care Act. Reid, who is considering retirement, said rising living costs have made that prospect uncertain. She also cited the difficulty her children face buying homes despite having established careers.
Dineen Seymour-Nahn, a retired Madison public school teacher, urged voters to support Democratic candidates, naming Crowley and Attorney General Josh Kaul. She said she feared a Republican victory could lead to renewed efforts to change election maps and restrict abortion rights, and pointed to the possibility of Tom Tiffany’s political influence.
Sue Jennik, president of the League of Women Voters of Dane County, staffed an information table outside City Hall. It offered information about 2026 candidates, proposed constitutional amendments and how to register and vote early, as well as how to use a ballot drop box.
March organizer Ajak Johnson said the gathering was a way for residents to come together amid recurring national events. With Wisconsin early voting set to begin Oct. 20, she said she hoped marchers would leave with a plan to vote early.
Participants also encouraged voters to check their registration rather than rely on emails they may have received. Melissa Markquart, a member of the Raging Grannies singing group, said some people the group encountered had been told they were already registered after moving to Wisconsin. Voters can verify their registration through official election resources before casting a ballot.