Activists gather in Berclair to support early voting ahead of midterms

Around 100 people gathered at Gaisman Community Center in Berclair on Oct. 17 to support early voting in the upcoming midterm elections, which are just over two weeks away. The event, hosted by Indivisible Memphis, was part of the latest 'No Kings' nationwide day of action . This weekend's events fo

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What is the story about?

Around 100 people gathered at Gaisman Community Center in Berclair on Oct. 17 to support early voting in the upcoming midterm elections, which are just over two weeks away.

The event, hosted by Indivisible Memphis, was part of the latest 'No Kings' nationwide day of action

. This weekend's events focused on "nonpartisan voter participation" and ensuring every eligible voter has a plan and knows their options, according to organizers.

State Rep. Justin J. Pearson, who is running for congress in Tennessee's 9th Congressional District, chatted with attendees at the event. He was hopeful high voter turnout would help Democrats overcome recent redistricting that gave Republicans a clear advantage in the election.

"We can beat the gerrymandering if we

show up and vote here in Shelby County," Pearson said. "If we go to the polls, we are gonna win this thing. I think it's a reclamation of power at a time when those in power are trying to make us feel powerless."

State Rep. Justin Pearson, the Democratic candidate for U.S. House District 9, speaks with supporters during the “No Kings: Vote Early, Party to the Polls” event in Memphis, Tenn., on October 17, 2026.

Gloria Castillo, a DACA recipient, stood along Macon road with a sign that protested U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

DACA, which stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a policy that allows undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as minors to receive a renewable two-year period of protection from deportation.

"We're taxpayers, but we don't get to vote," she said. "Maybe encouraging others to vote on our behalf if they can...is the only thing I can contribute to this election. It's very vital."

Clint and Alona Burnett said they plan to vote early this week, drawn out to the polls by concerns over ICE and voting rights.

"They're doing everything they can to stop legitimate voting, because they can't run on their record," Clint said.

Early voting runs from Oct. 14 through Oct. 29. Voters can find a complete schedule of early voting sites on the Shelby County Election Commission's website.

Jack Armstrongcovers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Activists gather in Berclair to support early voting ahead of midterms