About and criteria
What counts as a hero of democracy
Heroes Rise is a nonpartisan public registry. It recognizes conduct that defends democratic institutions, rights and the public's access to the truth.
What counts
A hero of democracy is a person who, often at personal cost, acted to protect free and fair elections, the rule of law, a free press, peaceful dissent or honest public service. Journalists, election workers, judges, activists, public servants and whistleblowers all appear in the registry.
The registry judges conduct, not political positions. It does not endorse parties, candidates or movements.
Two kinds of entry
Honored heroes have documented acts, supported by public sources. Potential heroes are people worth watching or recognizing. They are listed as nominations, and a listing is not a claim of fact about them.
How entries are chosen
Anyone can nominate through the nomination form. Each nomination is reviewed by the registry team, checked against the sources provided, and published only if it meets these criteria. Nothing is published automatically.
How corrections are handled
Entries are sourced and can be corrected on request. If you see an error, or you are named in the registry and want an entry changed or removed, tell us through the nomination form by naming the entry and the correction. Corrections are reviewed against sources and applied promptly.
Potential heroes are nominations and not claims of fact.