A recent study published in the journal Political Behavior suggests that the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 significantly increased the Democratic vote share in the presidential election that same year. The research provides evidence that peaceful mass mobilization can change public attitudes about racial inequality rather than simply encouraging existing supporters to vote. While the protests initially triggered a conservative backlash, this reaction ultimately shifted into increased progressive support by November. The authors of the new study sought to better understand exactly how large public demonstrations influence electoral outcomes. Previous research yields conflicting views on whether protests advance or hinder a movement’s goals. Peaceful protests often generate sympathy and shift public opinion toward the demands of the participating group. At the same time, protests that involve severe disruption can push voters toward conservative politicians who emphasize law and order. The Black Lives Matter demonstrations in the spring of 2020 represented one of the largest mass mobilizations in United States history. Because the movement faced both widespread support and intense criticism, scientists wanted to measure …