Show Me What Democracy Looks Like!

Cindi Reis
Feb 10
3 min read

This is what Democracy looks like!

I don’t know about you, but when I chant those words, I get a lift. Especially at a protest.

If you’ve ever wondered why protesting is effective, here’s some “411”:

The signal it sounds is loud and clear. It is intense public demand that shifts political agendas and has a strong influence on policy. It forces issues visibly, like a bright neon sign. Peaceful movements create disruption with a reflection of public opinion that can’t be ignored. The goal? Legislative action, policy changes and increased voter turnout for hitting the target on causes.

Why Is Protesting Effective?

It gets the attention of local and national leaders to respond to public demands.

Thinking about this takes me back to a conversation that I had with an acquaintance, at a wedding. I knew that he was very involved with political groups, and I asked if he worked for a particular politician. His response has stayed with me ever since:

“I don’t work for them, they work for me.”

He’s right.

Protesting is a way of sending a wake-up call to the political leaders, reminding them of what their constituents feel strongly about.

THEY WORK FOR US.

The 3.5% Rule

Then there’s the 3.5% Rule.

When 3.5% of the population actively shows up and speaks out in peaceful, organized protests, it can force changes, in a major way, due to large community support.

Protests aren’t just numbers, not just loud. They put issues in an arena that compels media attention and force lawmakers to address them.

Boycotts, strikes, sit-ins create pressure, with their impacts on the economy and the daily flow of life. They reflect our diversity, our ability to be blaring and peaceful at the same time, building solidarity that alters public opinion and steering the loyalties of powerful stakeholders.

What the Research Shows

How do we know this?

Research tells us that nonviolent protests are twice as likely to be successful as violent actions, mainly due to their ability to pull together a larger participation and maintain public sympathy.

Silence Is a Choice

Of course, it’s an individual choice to protest. Keep in mind, “silence is complicit.”

Our weakest links rely on others to show up and speak out for them. Failing to speak out against injustice or wrongdoing can be equated to supporting the oppressor.

Silence is definitely a choice, and can be powerful, in certain scenarios, but inaction can also reflect a form of participation.

Linked to Desmond Tutu, this idea asserts that neutrality during a crisis, such as a fascist takeover, is a choice that enables abuse.

To Protest or Not to Protest?

To protest or not to protest?

Keep in mind that in recent U.S. history, protests have been significantly impactful and have driven policy changes, increased visibility for human rights, and we are seeing it and hearing it loudly, given the recent murders in Minneapolis, MN, of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Action events locally have united us with the protests nationwide, and we are engaging in a unique empowerment of activism. Our country’s demonstrations have resulted in higher voter turnout.

And speaking of, here’s some examples of “shifts” and wins that we can be thankful for and encouraged by:

Texas State Senate: Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election in a solidly red district with 57% of the vote, defeating GOP opponent with a massive spending advantage.
Texas U.S. House: Democrat Christian Menefee won a special election in Houston (District 18).
Virginia and New Jersey Gubernatorial/State Races (Nov 2025): Abigail Spanberger won in Virginia, and Mikie Sherrill won in New Jersey, both by decisive margins. Democrats also expanded control of the VA House of Delegates and gained a supermajority in New Jersey’s General Assembly.
Local and Mayoral Wins (2025): Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election. Other wins included flipping a Miami mayoral seat for the first time in nearly 30 years and, in a historic shift, winning control of the Onondaga County legislature, in New York.
State Legislative Gains: Democrats broke a GOP supermajority in the Mississippi state Senate, flipping two seats in that chamber and one in the House.

These victories, with Democrats winning or overperforming in roughly 90% of key 2025 contests, indicate strong momentum following the 2024 elections.

These results are encouraging ~ Lets keep going.