The No Kings movement hosted another day of nationwide protests on Saturday, Oct. 17, focusing on early voting and election education.
“It’s a day of 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,” according to the No Kings website.
Although there was not an official protest planned in Oak Park, residents were invited to join the protest in Forest Park, and a flyer for a protest at the Broadview ICE detention facility was shared through social media.
The protest in Broadview at 1930 Beach St. took place from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., and the Forest Park rally at 7510 Roosevelt Rd went from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
While hundreds turned out to line both sides of a portion of Roosevelt Road in Forest Park, demonstrators only trickled into the street outside of the Broadview facility. Many of those present join there every Saturday to protest immigration enforcement tactics and the detention facility itself.
Oak Park resident Terrence Keleher attended both rallies on Saturday where he brought a guitar and sang protest folk songs.
“Folk music has a long tradition in the history of our nation. It’s inspired people and unified people and helped bring about change, and we want to be part of that tradition,” said Keleher. “Today is a perfect time to be unifying people and inspiring people to take action and to help make this world a better place.”
Keleher also said “we need to save our democracy” and getting out to vote, especially early, is critical.
The demonstration in Broadview remained relatively small and calm as people talked, held signs and wrote messages on the ground in chalk. Tensions were briefly heightened as a counter protester named John, who did not share his last name for safety concerns, paced along the sidewalk sharing his support for law enforcement and other protesters began confronting him.
Although John and other protesters disagreed on various political topics brought up, the right to free speech was common ground amongst all.
There were dozens of other demonstrations planned in nearby municipalities and individual neighborhoods throughout Chicago. The No Kings website also shared voting resources.
Early voting for the Nov. 3 General Election begins Monday, Oct. 19, at 9 a.m. and goes until Nov. 2 at 5 p.m at Village Hall in Oak Park at 123 Madison St. Monday through Saturday Village Hall will remain open for voting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but Sunday Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 it will only be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Those who are unregistered but still wish to vote early must bring two pieces of identification, one listing their current address. More information can be found on the village website.