Can protest occurrence prompt changes in electoral behavior? In this research, we examine variation in trajectories of voter turnout and electoral preferences at the local level after a protest cycle. Using local data on protests occurrence during the 2019 mobilizations in Chile and Bolivia, we assess the impact that street demonstrations had on voting behavior in the elections that took place in 2020. Through a difference-in-differences approach, we find that political participation increased in the localities that experienced protest, compared to ones that did not develop contentious activities. Conversely, there was no variation in electoral preferences measured through the vote for the incumbent party. We argue that these results can be explained by an increase in political efficacy, and by an absence of a signaling effect of protests. Reflecting on which type of protests are most likely to generate electoral changes, our results offer additional evidence regarding the scope of influence of destabilizing protests in democratic countries.