Defend the Vote March on Washington Draws Faith Leaders to Lincoln Memorial

Thousands of faith leaders, activists, and community members gathered at the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 2026, for the Defend the Vote March on Washington, marking the 63rd anniversary of the original 1963 march.

The event was organized by the National Action Network, led by Rev. Al Sharpton, and the Drum Major Institute, led by Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King. Organizers framed the march as a direct response to the Supreme Court's decision weakening Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which they described as a "bullet in the heart of the voting rights movement."

The march focused on three pillars: defending the right to vote, protecting equal opportunity, and demanding economic dignity. Confirmed speakers included U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Faith leaders played a central role. Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, chairman of the NAN Board of Directors, led a "Faith Leads the March" initiative that encouraged pastors and bishops to announce the march from their pulpits, charter buses for their congregations, and participate in weekly national clergy calls held throughout July and August.

The coalition included the NAACP, the National Urban League, the American Federation of Teachers, and dozens of other civil rights and labor organizations. Organizers emphasized the event was nonpartisan and open to all faith traditions.

The march began at 8 a.m. with the program starting at 9 a.m. Organizers urged attendees to use public transit due to limited parking and provided hydration stations to manage the August heat.

The event followed a National Voting Rights Sunday held August 7 through 9, which encouraged congregations nationwide to register voters and prepare for the November midterm elections.