Democracy rewind–Cleveland VOTES reflects on the best moments of 2025 (and looks forward to 2026)
- Cleveland VOTES
- 2 days ago
- 11 min read
At Cleveland VOTES we like to say there is no such thing as an "off year." See what the CV team has to say about the ups and downs of democracy that occurred in 2025. We hope it gets you pumped for 2026, too.
Erika Anthony
Executive Director
What was your favorite democracy moment of 2025? My favorite democracy moment of the year is witnessing the Cleveland VOTES team, along with our partners and community members, continue to show up despite the many challenges we faced this year. The commitment, ingenuity, and passion to activate for change is unparalleled, particularly when there are a myriad of reasons to "opt out."Â
What work are you most proud of from the past year? My most prideful moments are deeply connected to my favorite moment(s) of 2025 (as noted below):
I’m proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most fierce activists in Cleveland (staff + consultants), including our Board of Directors. I’m most proud of both expanding and retaining a dynamic team.
From our internal operations, to our communications and external programming, we have continued to improve efficiency and expand our reach to meet the current demands of our community.Â
We continue to strengthen long-term programs, such as our participatory grantmaking (Equitable Civic Engagement Fund), while expanding our offerings (e.g. Community Legal Advocates training) and reimagining new ways to build power (e.g. Cleveland Power Alliance, Reverse Townhall + Vote Squad).Â
We are continuously iterating and creating new on-ramps to welcome community leaders that may not at first blush see themselves are ‘democracy builders’ but are essential to the movement (e.g. Democracy Collective and More Than My Art).Â
We take great pride in serving as a trusted resource for our community, developing communication assets (e.g. Election Guides), accessible resources via our newsletter, social media and website, while also innovating with new mediums (e.g. "Accessibility and the Ballot" documentary).Â
At the core of everything we seek to do, deepening and strengthening our partnerships is critical to advancing a more equitable democracy. Participating in efforts such as Cleveland Freedom Dreams Coalition allow us to be in a cross-disciplinary community to advance our collective causes.Â
What Cleveland VOTES projects/programming are you most excited about in 2026? In addition to continuing our slate of recurring programs and trainings, I’m excited for a few new endeavors. We will continue to build upon the momentum of the Cleveland Power Alliance and engage those leaders who were elected during the 2025 General Election. We will continue to engage our participants who attended the Community Legal Advocates training in October 2025 and further our learning together. We have also launched the Movement Lawyers Legal Defense FUND + Network and are looking forward to serving our community moving into 2026. Finally, as we think about the arc of our work, we remain committed to the long-term strategizing we know will be needed. To that end, we are launching a Civil Disobedience + Resistance training in 2026.
Summarize your feelings about the state of democracy in 2025 in 3 words. Baffled. Frustrated. Resistant.Â
What would you say to someone who wants to know how they can stay engaged as we head into the new year? Voting is one pathway to building power. Tap into your passion(s), find your village and activate. No act is too small. We need all hands on deck right now.Â
What is your favorite photo from 2025?
Gloria Craig
Civic Engagement Strategist
What was your favorite democracy moment of 2025? A memorable/favorite moment this year for me was Pull Up to the Polls. Specifically, when a man got out of his car to come do karaoke. It felt like we were really in the midst of what community actually is. We probably won't ever see that man again. But in the moment, it was like being at a family function and our uncle had just hopped on the mic. You can't buy moments like that, and you definitely can't fake the energy of them either.Â
What work are you most proud of from the past year? My proudest moment this year was CarniVOTE for sure. I am overjoyed with the turnout and grateful that we could provide a space for families to not only have fun but learn as well. After it was all over and I realized how many people actually attended, it was a reminder that the work is not being done in vain.Â
What Cleveland VOTES projects/programming are you most excited about in 2026? I wouldn't say there are any specific programs or projects I am most excited about. I am more looking forward to Cleveland VOTES continuing to refine and redefine who we are and decide where we are going next. I think this next year for us will come with surprises and new obstacles all in the best way. We are creating pathways that not only determine where we will go but also laying the foundation for those who will come after us.Â
Summarize your feelings about the state of democracy in 2025 in 3 words. Opportunity to connect.Â
What would you say to someone who wants to know how they can stay engaged as we head into the new year? I would say follow us on all of our social media platforms and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about different events and ways to get activated.
What is your favorite photo from 2025?
Lique Gates
Senior Strategist
What was your favorite democracy moment of 2025? My favorite moment of democracy this year was the increased amount of energy around the local election (in Cleveland), specifically the City Council race. It brought forward some important issues that have been overlooked for quite some time. I know a lot of onlookers focused on the "low" turnout, and that is important, but so is the engagement and education that went into this year's election.
What work are you most proud of from the past year? So many things! Our Election Guide was a phenomenal tool that was graciously appreciated by so many people! I heard democracy experts gloat at its usefulness. It also was not intimidating and easy to understand. Phenomenal job to the comms team for putting it together!
Our Creative Impact Network (MTMA) blew my mind! This group of artists invested so much of themselves in creating democracy assets to help connect with a myriad of people. I enjoyed the candid conversations that came with exploring how we connect art and democracy.
Our Civic Holidays (National Voter Registration Day, Vote Early Day, Rally for the Culture) also always spark joy in democracy.
What Cleveland VOTES projects/programming are you most excited about in 2026?
Midterms! I am ready to see what happens in our state. We have predictions, but I would like to see results.Â
Summarize your feelings about the state of democracy in 2025 in 3 words. Keep on trekking.
What would you say to someone who wants to know how they can stay engaged as we head into the new year? I would encourage them to have more open conversations about the state of our democracy, and ask what they would like to see moving forward. I also would ask if they would like to join any local networks (like Cleveland VOTES) and go from there! Also - learn who your elected officials are for your ward, city, county, state, and federal government.
What is your favorite photo from 2025?
Jerry Pena
Senior Cultural + Community Strategist
What was your favorite democracy moment of 2025? My favorite democracy moment of 2025 was Pull Up to the Polls. The team showed up in full force and transformed a traditional voting experience into a welcoming, joyful community space. Seeing neighbors greet each other, volunteers cheering people on, and first-time voters showing up with pride reminded me what democracy feels like when it’s rooted in community. It was a moment where our collective energy, culture, and commitment created a real sense of belonging.
What work are you most proud of from the past year? I’m most proud of our work with the Cleveland Power Alliance. Throughout the year, we engaged more than 20 organizations—each with its own mission, strengths, and perspective—and built something that felt bigger than any single group. We created a shared space where advocacy, civic education, and grassroots leadership could align. And that coordination didn’t just stay in meeting rooms--it was noticed by residents and public officials. We demonstrated that when Clevelanders organize across sectors and neighborhoods, we can shape the narrative and influence decision-making citywide.
What Cleveland VOTES projects/programming are you most excited about in 2026? Honestly, I’m excited about all of our programs, but what really has my attention is how we’re going to connect everything we do to the 2026 midterms. This will be a defining moment for voter engagement and community power-building. I’m curious—and energized—about how our year-round work on civic education, grassroots mobilization, leadership development, and coalition-building can be woven together to strengthen turnout and deepen long-term democratic participation.
Summarize your feelings about the state of democracy in 2025 in three words. Work to do!
What would you say to someone who wants to know how they can stay engaged as we head into the new year? Start with conversations. Talk to your neighbors, coworkers, and family about what matters to them—what has changed for the better, what has gotten harder, and what they hope to see in the next few years. Encourage people to reflect on what they've gained or lost because of political decisions and help them see how powerful their voice can be. Then challenge them to take action: make a voting plan, help someone else make theirs, and stay connected to organizations doing civic and community work. The simplest conversations can spark real change.
What is your favorite photo of 2025?
Precious Phillips
Public Service Fellow
What was your favorite democracy moment of 2025? Attending the Intergenerational Luncheon hosted by Third Space Action Lab was great! Not only did I have the opportunity to participate on the panel as a voice for the younger generations, but I also engaged with my elders to gain insight from their lived experiences and to share my perspective and lived experience, with the shared goal of bridging the generations to evoke lasting change.
What work are you most proud of from the past year? I am most proud to have assisted in the planning and facilitation of the ECEF Community of Practice session. To be trusted to provide my insight was appreciated. But what made the session most rewarding was the level of engagement received from the community partners. The ECEF Grantees found the session topic relatable and relevant to their past or current work experience. Grantees participated in side conversations discussing the topic’s relevance and exploring the possibilities that could impact their past, current or future work.
What Cleveland VOTES projects/programming are you most excited about in 2026? I am excited to see how the Democracy Collective (DemCo) continues to grow. I began my work with Cleveland VOTES as a member of the 2nd DemCo Cohort 2024-2025. As the current Public Service Fellow here at Cleveland VOTES, we are currently serving our 3rd DemCo Cohort. It is exciting to see how the program continues to evolve.
Summarize your feelings about the state of democracy in 2025 in 3 words. Change of perspective.Â
What would you say to someone who wants to know how they can stay engaged as we head into the new year? Attend an event. Even if you are unsure of the topic, attend the event anyway. Here at Cleveland VOTES, we are committed to supporting the community. If you attend a Cleveland VOTES event, you are likely to connect with someone who shares a common interest in community building, learn a new topic or skill related to community building and civic engagement, and leave feeling empowered to create change.
What is your favorite photo of 2025?
Taylor Wilson
Communications + Engagement Associate
What was your favorite democracy moment of 2025? My favorite democracy moment was the passage of the Crown Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair)! In October, Cuyahoga County became the first county in Ohio to pass the act, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with natural hair textures and protective styles such as braids.
As someone who wears their natural hair, this legislation was meaningful on an individual level, but it was also refreshing to see local elected officials genuinely listen to their constituents and fight for their priorities and concerns. Moments like this remind us that elected officials are here to serve the public, our people, and our communities.
What work are you most proud of from the past year? The work I’m most proud of this year was the opportunity to collaborate with the CV team, who directed and produced our Voting in The Land: Accessibility and the Ballot documentary. I had the privilege of editing the documentary, and it was incredibly rewarding to help bring the final project to our community. The documentary was not only enlightening for viewers but also impactful for me. I learned so much from our partners and interviewees about the experiences of individuals with disabilities and the barriers they encounter when trying to exercise their right to vote. The project highlighted both how far we’ve come as a community and how far we still have to go.
What Cleveland VOTES projects/programming are you most excited about in 2026? The programming I’m most excited about is seeing the culmination of the 2025–2026 Democracy Collective cohort. This is my first opportunity to observe a DemCo cohort from beginning to end, and it has been amazing to watch the members develop their projects and collaborate with our team. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish.
Summarize your feelings about the state of democracy in 2025 in 3 words. Worth. The. Fight.
What would you say to someone who wants to know how they can stay engaged as we head into the new year? I would tell anyone who wants to stay engaged that voting isn’t the only way to participate--engagement can go far beyond the ballot box. I encourage you to get familiar with their local elected officials, even those not currently up for election, as well as attending or tuning in to public meetings. While national news often focuses on Washington, D.C., the civic decisions made right here in our communities often have the most immediate and deeply felt impact because of their proximity to our daily lives.
What is your favorite photo of 2025?
Brianna Zgodinski
Communications + Narrative Strategist
What was your favorite democracy moment of 2025? I had so much fun at our annual CarniVOTE this year. There were so many kids there of all ages having a great time and learning about democracy. Where else can you roller skate one moment and win a prize for being able to name the Mayor of Cleveland the next moment?
What work are you most proud of from the past year? I am really proud of our November Election Guide that we created for Cleveland. Besides election dates and deadlines, the guide also featured information on the mayoral race, judicial races, and city council. It's hard to find information on local races, so people were really appreciative. It was our most popular guide to date--we kept running out!
What Cleveland VOTES projects/programming are you most excited about in 2026? I am excited to engage with people regarding the governor's race. It is going to be an interesting one, for sure. We will no doubt have many good conversations with community members through our programming and events.
Summarize your feelings about the state of democracy in 2025 in 3 words. Uncertain. Surprising. Local.
What would you say to someone who wants to know how they can stay engaged as we head into the new year? If you don't like how something is going, reach out to your leaders. For example, you can do public comment at a city council meeting or email or call your state representatives.
What is your favorite photo of 2025?
