Approximately 250 million Americans can cast their votes in the upcoming midterm elections. By the last week, over 34 million have already done so. During this time, President Trump and his supporters continue to interfere with the electoral process.
Among the candidates on the ballot, many undermine confidence in elections. Despite repeated affirmations of fairness in the electoral system, some took part in Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election. Others remain influenced by his unfounded claims of election fraud. Voters should consider rebuffing these candidates.
The right to vote is paramount for citizens, serving as a key democratic responsibility. It empowers individuals to resist corruption, influence public spending, and shape the nation’s future. Legitimate elections ensure a peaceful transition of power, a practice still uncommon globally. Thus, public officials in the U.S. pledge to uphold the Constitution’s integrity.
Trump, who has pledged this allegiance twice, continues to undermine voter confidence and disrupt state-run elections. His actions contravene ethical and constitutional guidelines. Recently, Trump’s influence has extended to the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security.
The States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan organization, identified 197 election deniers on ballots across 43 states. This group includes individuals who propagated Trump’s baseless election claims, refused to certify the 2020 results, or sought to overturn Biden’s victory. The midterms feature 163 congressional races with such candidates, all of whom could play a role in certifying the 2028 presidential election results.
In addition, 33 others across 21 states aim for statewide office as governors, attorneys general, or chief election officers. Notably, Republican candidates like Reps. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), and Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) are highlighted as election deniers, having contested valid electoral results in 2021.
These candidates’ involvement threatens democratic principles. Numerous studies, including assessments by the American Bar Association, declare claims of significant voter fraud baseless. Efforts to undermine election security pose significant risks to government stability.
Some legal experts argue for the disqualification of election deniers under the 14th Amendment, which bars those engaged in rebellion against the Constitution from office. However, the Supreme Court ruled in 2024 that only Congress could disqualify federal officials for rebellion, creating legal ambiguity.
Though Trump is absent from the midterm ballots, voters can hold accountable those who echo his 2020 election denial. It includes rejecting those involved in attempts to rig the process, intimidate officials, and erode confidence in democracy.
Action is crucial to restore democracy’s principles. The current political landscape is fraught with individuals undermining democratic institutions. It’s time for voters to take a stand and restore integrity to American democracy.
William S. Becker, co-editor of “Democracy Unchained” and executive director of the Presidential Climate Action Project
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