<p>This paper argues that an equal distribution of the right to free speech is democratically valuable because it contributes to the perceived legitimacy of democratic institutions. I first argue that an equal right to free speech inherently encompasses citizens’ ability to engage in discussions about how ideas should be expressed. I then argue that frequent and systemic interactions on how ideas should be expressed can give citizens a practical grasp of what it means to make decisions between equally entitled parties. The regularity of such interactions helps establish a shared set of presuppositions that democratic institutions can draw upon when communicating with a diverse citizenry. Taken together, the analysis supports the view that an equal right to free speech contributes to the formation of a communicative environment conducive to the bottom-up legitimation of democratic institutions and their public directives.</p>