On Saturday morning, nearly 200 people gathered on Washington Street in downtown Naperville with a clear message: Vote in the coming midterm election. The rally, organized by Indivisible Naperville, the League of Women Voters of Naperville, and the American Association of University Women Naperville Area, was just one of many “No Kings: Vote Early” events happening across the Chicago area and nationwide.
Similar events were also scheduled in local areas such as Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and Elmhurst. Demonstrators showed support by marching to the Naperville Municipal Center to vote during the event. Organizers emphasized the nonpartisan nature of the rally, aimed at encouraging voter turnout by making a plan to vote.
The strategy behind choosing the Washington Street bridge as the location was its proximity to the Naperville Municipal Center, an early voting site. “We want to be close enough without interfering and encourage early voting,” stated Donna Cheesebrough, president of the Naperville League of Women Voters.
Participants rallied with signs proclaiming messages like “Now or Never 2026 Midterm Elections” and “Rise Up! Take Back What’s Ours! Vote!” Organizers even led a group of attendees to the municipal center for early voting.
“I just want to support the Democratic Party,” said Nick Owens, a Naperville resident. “I don’t like the current administration’s treatment of people. I’m doing my part as a citizen.” Protesters also voiced their discontent with the Trump administration, chanting, “Vote them out.” Therese Bouchard, a Canadian resident living in Chicago, stressed the importance of the event, even speaking about Canada’s perspective on the U.S. administration.
Yet, the atmosphere was also uplifting. A Dixieland band played, bringing a bit of New Orleans flair to the protest. “I wanted the music to replicate an inspiring event I attended in Oak Brook,” shared Dianne McGuire, co-leader of Indivisible Naperville.
Meanwhile, the DuPage County Republicans organized a protest by driving trucks with messages through the area. The boards read, “Say No To Pritzker The Tax King” and “Reject Socialism, Vote Republican,” aiming to highlight what they saw as the irony of the protest.
“Illinois has been run by figures like kings for decades,” said DuPage County Republican Chair Kevin Coyne. The trucks aimed to motivate Republicans to plan for early voting, overcoming their prior reluctance to move beyond Election Day voting.
As the trucks passed, rally attendees voiced disapproval by booing and turning their backs. Don McBride, another Naperville resident, stated that his participation was about confronting the Trump administration and promoting voting participation. “It’s for our children’s future,” he emphasized.