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November 27, 2020 – July 5, 2021
Stand Up Seattle: The Democracy Project
Following an election year like no other, Stand Up Seattle: The Democracy Project is an exploration of the power of self-government, engaging visitors in experiences that encourage them to take action now to create the change they want to see. Shaped by the evolving story of democracy in our region, and drawing on MOHAI’s extensive collection of historic artifacts, images, and oral histories, Stand Up Seattle: The Democracy Project highlights how direct participation sustains, expands, and reimagines a government of, by, and for the people. The exhibit includes rare artifacts from Seattle’s history of democracy, personal stories of democracy in action, and interactive experiences that put the power of democracy directly in the hands of visitors.
Presented by The Boeing Company. Additional generous support provided by Laird Norton Wealth Management, Maureen Frisch, The Estate of Patricia Denny, Office of Arts and Culture (Seattle), 4Culture, RealNetworks Foundation, and MOHAI Exhibits Fund.
Media support provided by KCTS9 and Crosscut.
Special thanks to the following Stand Up Seattle community partners: Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Converge Media, and University of Washington Center for the Study of the Pacific Northwest.
Read More
Stand Up Seattle: The Democracy Project will feature a companion set of programs, panel discussions, workshops, and online features that explore the roots of democracy in our region and the state of democracy today.
From the Exhibit
Enjoy this collection of images captured at the Stand Up Seattle: The Democracy Project exhibit, an exploration of the power of self-government, engaging visitors in experiences that encourage them to take action now to create the change they want to see.
Power of the Vote
Voting is key to a functioning democracy. Even if you are not eligible to vote, or you choose not to, you still have the power to impact voting. The right to vote has not come easily for all. In some cases, voting has been actively suppressed, and it continues to be hotly contested.
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Register to Vote
Help shape Washington’s future.
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Register to vote online: VoteWA.
Register in person at these locations:
- King County Administration Building, 500 4th Avenue, Room 440, Seattle, WA
- King County Elections, 919 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA
Hours: 8:30–4:30 (closed 1-2 pm), Monday through Friday
The city provides assistance: Visit a King County Vote center, online or in person, to get assistance with registration—even registration on election day—and updating current voter records. Centers can assist voters who need help completing their ballots. Trained staff and specialized equipment are available to help voters with disabilities cast a private, independent ballot. Vote centers are available starting 30 days prior to election day.
Access printable voter registration forms: You can find Washington voter registration forms in 23 different languages here. Then follow the provided instructions to turn it in.
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Help Others Vote
Not everyone has access to voter registration or ballots.
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Luckily, local and national organizations work to bridge the gaps. But they need help from someone exactly like you (yes, you), who cares about people having equal opportunities to vote.
Check out one of the organizations below to help:
The Washington Bus works to get young people registered, informed, and voting: washingtonbus.org
Common Power mobilizes volunteers for voting across Washington, and around the country: commonpower.org
League of Women Voters works to ensure elections remain free, fair, and accessible: lwv.org
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Know Your District
Not sure of your congressional district or who represents it?
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Find your Washington state legislative or congressional district here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/
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Understand The Electoral College
Why does the Electoral College vote matter more than the popular vote?
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Learn the basics of how the Electoral College works with this video from USA Today: Watch now
Dive into the debate over dismantling the Electoral College: This article from the National Conference of State Legislatures offers an overview of the topic.
If dismantling the Electoral College resonates with you, consider volunteering for a group trying to do so: National Popular Vote is a non-partisan, non-profit organization working on these issues.
Check to see if you’re qualified to become an elector for a political party: This National Archives article explains the necessary qualifications to be an elector and how electors are chosen.
Impact the Ballot
Getting involved can take many forms-it doesn’t only mean running for office. Who and what makes it to the ballot influences daily, local life. Regional ballot measures can even enact laws that contrast federal laws.
Ballot Initiatives
View a List of Initiatives Trying to Qualify for the 2020 Ballot
Organize, Mobilize, Resist
Democracy is imperfect. People organize, lobby, and show resistance to push for what they need from elected representatives. Dissent and accountability are essential to democracy’s very function.
Special Thanks
Many thanks to all the individuals who advised and participated in the development of the Stand Up Seattle: The Democracy Project exhibit.
Contributing Content Advisors
- Amy Bhatt, PhD, Associate Professor of Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
- Hasaan A. Kirkland, MFA, O’Herron Endowed Distinguished Professor of Fine Art, Curator, Artist, Kairos Industry LLC, Seattle Central College, Seattle University
- Joshua L. Reid (Snohomish), PhD, John Calhoun Smith Memorial Endowed Professor of History, University of Washington Center for the Study of the Pacific Northwest
- Lorraine McConaghy, PhD, MOHAI Public Historian Emeritus
Special Thanks
- Amber Taylor and Lisa Pemberton, Puyallup Tribe of Indians
- Cynthia Brothers
- Estela Ortega and Dulce Gutierrez Vasquez, El Centro de la Raza
- James Gregory, University of Washington
- Jennifer Ott, Assistant Director, HistoryLink.org
- Jessica Garcia
- John Lamont, Seattle Public Library
- Karen Besserman, Emerge WA
- Kyle Thiessan, Office of the Code Reviser, Washington State Legislature
- Lourdez Velasco
- Makah Resource & Cultural Center
- Maru Mora Villalpando and Andrea Marcos, La Resistencia
- Meredith Sibley and Andrea Caupain, Byrd Barr Place
- MOHAI Youth Advisors: Annabelle, Atul, Ethan, India, Jason, Julia, Karl, Soren, Sue, TK, Vance, and Ziah
- National Archives and Records Administration
- Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
- Nikkita Oliver
- Omari Salisbury, Converge Media
- Paulina Lopez, Duwamish River Clean Up Coalition
- Rebeccah Maskin, King County Office of Performance Strategy and Budget
- Reverend Harriett Walden, Mothers for Police Accountability
- Seattle Public Library
- Sierra Club and Fuse Washington
- Stephanie Johnson-Toliver, Black Heritage Society of Washington State
- Suquamish Museum
- Tim Eyman for Governor campaign
- Timothy Harris
- TraeAnna Holiday, Africatown Community Land Trust
- Washington State Archives
- Washington State Library
- Willard Bill, Jr. and Justice Bill
- Zack Silk
Community partners
- Black Heritage Society of Washington State
- Converge Media
- University of Washington Center for the Study of the Pacific Northwest
Exhibit Supporters at MOHAI
Presented by
Additional generous support provided by
Maureen Frisch
MOHAI Exhibits Fund
The Estate of Patricia Denny