STAND UP, FIGHT BACK: Missouri Voters’ Rally at State Capitol

Hundreds of Missouri voters fill the capitol rotunda to rally at the Missouri Voters Day of Action on January 21st. Photo by Rex Ybañez.

On the cold morning of January 21st, the grand marble halls of the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City pulsed with energy. By noon, more than a thousand Missourians had surged through its doors, filling the rotunda and chanting in unison, “Stand up! Fight back!” — a slogan that echoed off the soaring pillars and balconies.

People of all ages and walks of life stood shoulder to shoulder. Union members, workers, students, and community advocates carried hand-painted signs demanding that lawmakers honor the results of recent statewide votes. Voices rose in impassioned calls for paid sick leave, abortion access, and fair congressional maps. Many had traveled miles from cities like Springfield, St. Louis, and Kansas City to make their grievances heard.

At the heart of the rally was a deep sense of frustration. Protesters said legislators had overturned measures voters had approved in 2024, stripping away mandated sick leave and sending abortion rights back to the ballot. Speakers urged elected officials to respect the democratic will, framing their demands not as partisan points but as fundamental rights.

As the afternoon sun slanted through stained glass, the crowd’s unified chant offered both protest and promise. It spoke of resilience, of community, and of a shared belief that democracy belongs to the people, not just to those in power.

There will be an opportunity for tenant leaders in Springfield to go to the capitol together on February 17th. Tenants, organizers, and allies are encouraged to fill out the form to register and answer logistics questions about the trip here: https://bit.ly/MoTenantsDOA2026