Protesters gathered in Santa Fe and Las Cruces on Oct. 17 with a message that extended beyond opposing President Donald Trump, urging voters to turn their concerns into action at the ballot box ahead of the Nov. 3 general election, Source NM reports.
Organizers estimated that nearly 1,000 people attended the "No Kings: Vote Early" rally outside the New Mexico Capitol in Santa Fe, while several hundred more gathered at Albert Johnson Park in Las Cruces. "Vote early, bank your vote, protect your vote," said Ellen Hill, chair of Indivisible’s Santa Fe chapter, which helped organize the event, Source NM reported. Election integrity was a recurring theme among speakers in Santa Fe, amid disputes between the Trump administration and state officials over voter registration records.
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Participants also cited concerns about political division, the cost of living and the future of democratic institutions. Hannah Wetovsky, who performed a protest song at the Santa Fe rally, said she hopes more people in her generation will vote in the midterm elections rather than conclude their votes make little difference. Hill challenged the idea that the influence of wealthy donors such as Elon Musk should discourage ordinary voters, stressing the collective power of voters.
In Las Cruces, protesters were invited to walk from the park to City Hall to cast early ballots, and more than 50 people lined up in the lobby. Laurel Brandi, a Las Cruces parent who had already voted, said the gathering felt more focused on sustained civic engagement than earlier protests. As of Oct. 16, 4.3% of registered voters statewide had cast ballots either absentee or early in person.
What's Next
Participants encouraged neighbors and fellow attendees to make sure they are registered, understand their voting options and cast ballots before Nov. 3.
Why It Matters
Rally participants said showing up, casting a ballot and encouraging others to participate are ways citizens can influence the decisions that shape their communities and the country.
About This Story
Daily Reports is Brant.One’s news roundup. Each day we gather the New Mexico stories worth knowing from newsrooms across the state, sum them up and point you to the source. This one comes from Source NM’s reporting, and their original story has the interviews and full details.
Editor’s note: Updated Oct. 31, 2026. This story is now part of Daily Reports, our New Mexico news roundup, and was revised to credit Source NM’s original reporting. Learn how Daily Reports works in our editorial standards.
