Voting & Civil Rights

You have the right to free speech. This includes the right to:

• Protest,
• Demonstrate, such as taking part in a rally or march
• Donate to groups and political candidates, and
• Get together with other people to talk about issues.

These rights do have limits. You have to follow the law when you are using your rights. If you don’t, the police can arrest you.

Protests

Learn more about your rights to protest in Chicago. You can also learn about your rights to free speech and protest in the US.

If you think the police are violating your rights, you may record them. You can also file a complaint.

Where can I protest?

Anyone can use streets, sidewalks, parks or other similar public spaces to protest. However, there may be limitations on how these public spaces are used for protests. Read below for more information about these limitations.

An owner of private property may set rules limiting free speech on their property. They can ask protesters to leave. If they do not leave, the owner can ask the police to arrest them.

How may the government limit protests?

The government may require permits in limited cases. For example, if the protest will block a street or require loud sound systems. These permits should not burden your right to free speech. If you cannot pay the permit fee, the government should waive To give up a legal right or pardon a fee it. Check with your local government to find out if you need a permit to protest.

The government may also limit the time, place, and manner in which you can protest. In public spaces, speech can only be limited by reasonable rules about when, where, and how people can express themselves. For example, the government may limit protests to certain hours or locations to avoid disrupting traffic. In addition, the government may impose limitation if your protest blocks access to an emergency room. These types of restrictions are meant to make sure a protest does not disrupt public order or harm others while still respecting people's right to free speech and protest.

The government cannot limit the message of your protest, except in cases where it incites imminent violence or crime.

Know your free speech rights

Below are resources that explain your right to free speech and some issues that may arise when you are using your rights.

• Know your rights as an activist: Answers questions like:
  • Can my free speech be restricted because of what I say?
  • If organizers have not obtained a permit, where can a march take place?
  • What do I do if I get stopped by the police?
• What to do if the police stop or arrest you: A list of actions you should take if you are under arrest. Has a printable “palm card” version at the bottom.
• Your rights when you’re under arrest: Being under arrest is also called being detained Includes juveniles held prior to a court makes a decision about their case,  awaiting transfer to adult criminal court, or awaiting a hearing or trial in adult criminal court. or being taken into custody. This page explains what your rights are if this happens.
• Information for federal employees: This page explains special laws about demonstrating, protesting, and exercising free speech that apply to people who work for the Federal government.
• How to contact your elected officials: Talking to your elected officials is a way to make an impact in the laws that are passed. This page will help you find out who your elected officials are, and how to get in touch with them.
• Tax deductions and year-end charitable giving: Giving money to causes you believe in is another way you can make an impact. You could also get a deduction on your taxes. This page explains how.