The Jensen family came to Campustown from Morton, son, daughter, mom and dad.
BILL KNIGHT

Hundreds of people on Oct. 17 rallied at the intersection of Main and University for the No Kings: Vote Early Peoria Rally, where chants of “Tell me what democracy looks like! THIS is what democracy looks like!” were peppered with honking motorists waving as they passed.

Unlike previous No Kings events, this one stressed “nonpartisan voter participation, being in community with each other, and making sure every eligible voter has a plan, knows their options, and is ready to make their voice count,” said organizers, adding, “Our democracy depends on every eligible voter having the freedom to participate without intimidation, interference, or barriers.”

Mark Nalley of Washington said he’s been to all No Kings rallies.
BILL KNIGHT

Hours before, Vote.org announced that Illinois voter registration through the nonpartisan, nonprofit group already had surged more than four times the normal rate, outpacing the 2022 midterm election.

“What we’re seeing in Illinois mirrors what we’re seeing across the country: Voters are engaged, motivated, and making sure they’re ready to make their voices heard,” said Vote.org CEO Andrea Hailey. “It’s clear people are fired up to vote.”

The gathering, visited by U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-17th), was the day before online voter registration closed, but in-person registration up to and including Election Day is available if they’re U.S. citizens and will be 18 by Election Day, have lived in their precinct for 30 days, and have two forms of identification (one of which must show the address they’re voting from). If they register Election Day, they must cast their ballot then and there.