Midterm elections are coming up soon. And folks in El Dorado County are getting together to celebrate the vote.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, residents will gather at a NO KINGS - VOTE EARLY visibility event to remind everyone it is our patriotic duty as citizens of a free democratic country to vote.

The nonpartisan event will be held at 9 HWY 50 overpasses from 9-11 AM with participants waving American flags and holding signs reminding everyone to VOTE NOW. The event is being hosted by Indivisible El Dorado, which reminds everyone that this is a joyous celebration. Violence is not tolerated.

There will also be a voting celebration event in El Dorado Hills hosted by NO KINGS - VOTE EARLY EDH (a separate organization from Indivisible El Dorado). Participants will meet at Regal movie theater at 9 AM, march to the ballot box and vote, then continue the march to Latrobe Rd. Speakers will motivate the participants at the theater before the march, including Albina Senko, a student from Folsom Lake College addressing concerns of her generation.

Ballots were sent out in early Oct. You can turn in your ballot at a ballot box, at a voting center, at the elections office, or by mail (postmark before Oct. 20 is recommended). You can get further information at indivisibleeldorado.org

We urge everyone to VOTE EARLY to assure a free and secure election in which your vote will be counted. You may have heard rumblings to the contrary, but the newly appointed El Dorado County registrar of voters, Rena Russell, spoke with conviction, "I will work closely with county partners, local agencies and the public to strengthen engagement, support understanding of election processes and uphold the high standards our voters expect and deserve." She continued, "I look forward to continuing the work of my predecessors and leading an amazing team dedicated to providing secure, accurate and transparent elections."

Whether or not you are able to attend the Oct. 17 event, be sure to VOTE EARLY and share the information with friends and family.