“Show me what democracy looks like.”

“This is what democracy looks like.”

Over 250 protestors gathered in front of the Benton County Courthouse on Feb. 17, standing in solidarity with Presidents Day demonstrations taking place at state capitol buildings across the country.

The gathering in Corvallis was part of the nationwide “50 states, 50 capitals, One Day” rally for democracy.

The event, aimed at fostering solidarity and civic engagement, was held to provide an opportunity for those unable to travel to Salem to participate according to Louise Zeringue, one of the organizers leading chants.

Chants echoed down 5th Street and Madison Avenue, with protestors shouting, “The people united will never be divided,” and, “Hey hey, ho ho, Elon Musk has got to go,” as car horns blared in support.

Zeringue highlighted the significance of her knitted hat, not initially from the 2017 Washington march to protest Donald Trump’s first inauguration, but made by her daughter. She said it symbolizes resistance to the erosion of women’s rights.

“Please get involved. I mean, we need so many young people in this. This is for your future,” Zeringue said.

Protestors in the crowd held signs, most handwritten, saying “Not My President“, “Honk For Our Democracy“, “We Will Not Be Silent“ and “Felon And The Felon“.

“Concerned is an understatement,” Do Mi Stauber said about the state of democracy. “I am enraged and terrified about the destruction of democracy that is going on right at this moment…”

Having lived in Corvallis for four years after previously residing in Eugene, Stauber emphasized the importance of community and activism in uncertain times.

“Keep breathing. This is disorienting, and we’re in big uncertainty. Find your own ground, find like-minded people, take care of yourself, and then find your way to make a difference,” Stauber said.

Whether through protests, calling representatives, or supporting vulnerable communities, Stauber stressed the need for action.

“Most people in this country do not want Elon Musk tearing our institutions apart. Most people want voting rights. We need to stand up and stop letting it happen,” Stauber said.

There was an array of protestors of all ages present, some children in strollers, some older couples walking with canes, others high school and college aged students.

Jessica Larsen stood alongside her son and fellow community members, emphasizing the constitutional concern. “The severity of the situation, right, it’s pretty scary,” Larsen said.

Among the crowd was Oregon State University sophomore Bear Simone, a theater major.

Holding a handmade flag featuring symbols from the anti-fascist Iron Front group and imagery from The Handmaid’s Tale novel, Simone explained the meaning behind his protest materials.

“The three arrows represent smashing fascism, monarchy, and oligarchy,” Simone said, adding that the dystopian themes from The Handmaid’s Tale felt eerily relevant to today’s politics, “It’s supposed to be fiction.”