by Kate D’Avignon
A national No Kings Day of Action is coming to Forest Park on Oct. 17, where local organizers will gather at 7510 Roosevelt Road from 10 a.m. to noon. While the movement typically stages protests aimed at challenging the idea that wealthy individuals or political leaders operate above the law, this particular event has a different focus: encouraging residents to vote early.
Indivisible, the organization coordinating the nationwide effort, describes this edition of No Kings as a community‑building event rather than a traditional protest. Their goal is to help voters understand early voting options, make a plan to cast their ballots, and ensure that every eligible resident has the information needed to participate in the upcoming Nov. 3 election.
Early voting is already underway in suburban Cook County. Through this week, voters can cast ballots at six regional sites, including the Maywood Courthouse at 1311 Maybrook Square, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning Oct. 19 and continuing through Nov. 2, early voting expands to 56 locations. Nearby options include the Maywood Public Library, Oak Park Village Hall, the Cicero Community Center, and the Berwyn Pavek Community Center. Most sites operate 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays, with extended hours at the Cicero PSO Building from Oct. 26–30 and on Nov. 2.
Indivisible says the Forest Park gathering is meant to turn “people power into voter power,” emphasizing preparation, awareness, and participation. Forest Park has hosted several No Kings demonstrations before, beginning in June 2025 and continuing with events last October and again this March.