Cindy Brown of Canandaigua said voting is important, which is why she joined hundreds of people at a No Kings protest Saturday afternoon near Canandaigua Lake. She said she hoped the event would encourage others to exercise their civic duty.
Brown said it is also important for people to stand up for democracy, free speech and against corruption.
“Et cetera, et cetera,” Brown said. “You name it. Just encouraging people to recognize their freedoms and use them and not lose them.”
The No Kings protests began more than a year ago and have focused on issues including President Donald Trump's efforts to expand presidential power, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement enforcement, and federal spending cuts affecting health care and other programs.
Saturday's nationwide protests focused on encouraging voter turnout ahead of a potentially historic midterm election. Organizers also said they wanted to help communities make plans to vote and encourage people to cast their ballots before Election Day whenever possible.
No Kings protesters urge people to vote
Many people at the Canandaigua protest carried signs with direct messages, including “Formula for Freedom — vote!!!,” “Vote Like a Mother” and “Stand and be Counted.”
Other signs struck a more serious tone, including one that read, “My Daughter Needs Cancer Research!! Not a King!!!!”
Several candidates for local office and their supporters also attended the event.
Early voting in New York begins Saturday, Oct. 24, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 1. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Which local races are on the ballot?
Several contested races with local implications are on the ballot in Ontario County.
Contested town races include supervisor in Bristol, South Bristol and Naples; town justice in Manchester; town clerk in Victor; and town board in West Bloomfield.
At the county level, the races for sheriff and coroner are uncontested, while two candidates are vying for county treasurer.
Voters will also decide the governor's race, seats in local state Assembly and state Senate districts, and two local congressional seats.
Why voting matters to Canandaigua-area residents
Tom Bissell of Farmington said encouraging people to vote is personal because he wants to protect the future of his grandchildren.
“We've just got to keep going with what our founding fathers and our fathers fought for,” Bissell said.
Includes reporting by Democrat and Chronicle reporter Victoria Freile.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
Includes reporting by New York Connect reporter Victoria Freile.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 'No Kings' rally in Canandaigua urges voters to turn out in 2026
