“Voices and Votes,” an exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street (MoMS) division, takes a broad look at American democracy — from the American Revolution and expanding suffrage to civil rights and casting ballots. It explores who can vote, whose voices are heard, the responsibilities of American citizens, how we can encourage more people to participate in our democracy, and more. 

Exhibition sections explore the origins of American democracy, the struggles to obtain and keep the vote, the machinery of democracy, the right to petition and protest beyond the ballot, and citizens’ rights and responsibilities. “Voices and Votes” features historical and contemporary photos, educational and archival videos, engaging multimedia interactives with short games, and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.

The exhibition is part of the Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. 

The U.S. Congress has provided support for MoMS.

Learn more.