A year later, Raleigh groups still feel democracy was jeopardized by Jan. 6 riots

Earlier, protesters with the North Carolina Poor People's Campaign marched outside of Senator Thom Tillis’s office in a demonstration calling for accountability from leaders who falsely claimed the 2020 presidential election was stolen. The group's demands include federal legislation to for what they feel is guided by extremists overturning the will of the people.

"We’re very worried that the coup was almost successful," said event organizer Karen Ziegler.

Multiple protests and press conferences were held in downtown Raleigh for the purpose of holding elected officials accountable and seeing new action taken a year after the insurrection. Protesters say more voting access and penalties for those who lied about election results are needed to preserve a strong democracy.

“I think it’s pretty clear that we’re about to lose democracy unless enough of us wake up and fight for it,” said Ziegler.

Ziegler said 140 people signed up online to be a part of the protest.

Some of the legislative acts the group wanted to promote awareness of included With the Freedom to Vote Act, DC Statehood Act, Protect Democracy Act and the John Lewis Voter Rights Advancement Act. Mark Swallow, who also spoke at the event, asked those listening to press their local officials and cast votes in local and state elections.

"We really haven’t held accountable the people that initiated that event, and until we do, we’re still at risk from our democracy perspective," said organizer Mark Swallow. "And the fact that we’ve got 150 people who are going to come forward for the truth I think is pretty significant."