Free and fair elections are essential to a representative democracy. A government that truly represents its people relies on its citizens’ ability to vote. Elections empower people to express their will and choose their leaders.
John Lewis, the late Georgia congressman and civil rights leader, described voting as a profound and potent non-violent tool within a democratic society. Former President Reagan called the right to vote the “crown jewel” of American freedoms.
Currently, the allegations surrounding the 2020 election have fueled controversy. Donald Trump, who lost the election, has propagated claims of fraud. These claims include accusations of illegal ballots, tampered election equipment, and voting by noncitizens. Such assertions have eroded trust in elections and those who administer them.
Adding to this issue is Trump’s effort to manipulate the election system by disenfranchising voters to prevent Democrats from gaining office. Both Lewis and Reagan would likely disapprove of these attempts.
The Importance of Secretary of State Elections
In November, 26 states will elect secretaries of state, officials responsible for overseeing the 2028 presidential race. Their role has gained importance since 2000, when Republican Katherine Harris’s actions influenced the Florida election results, leading to George W. Bush’s presidency.
The controversy intensified following Trump’s 2020 defeat. Claims of election fraud motivated allies to attempt to control election systems. The America First SOS Coalition, in 2022, endorsed candidates for secretary of state positions in key battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, and others. Many of these candidates lost, though Indiana elected one.
Notable Candidates and Concerns
Among the candidates was Tina Peters, a former elections official in Colorado, who faced legal troubles for attempting to prove votes were stolen in 2020. A group like the SOS Coalition no longer operates, but denial candidates continue to run for secretary of state positions. In 2022, over two dozen deniers ran, according to the States United Democracy Center, six of whom advanced to the November ballot.
In Nevada, Republican Jim Marchant continues to promote Trump’s claims despite losing previously. He supports unconventional ideas like using technology to verify voter identity.
In Arizona, Democrat Adrian Fontes faces Republican Alexander Kolodin. Kolodin, having been sanctioned for pursuing baseless fraud claims, challenges Fontes in the election.
In Wisconsin, Republican Jay Schroeder aims to abolish the bipartisan commission overseeing elections, claiming the system failed. He declared his reluctance to certify Biden’s 2020 win.
The Stakes and Broader Implications
The elections for Congress and statehouses nationwide draw significant attention, including closely watched gubernatorial races in places like Ohio, Georgia, and Wisconsin. But the races for secretary of state also warrant focus due to their critical role in ensuring election integrity. As said, elections cannot remain fair if those managing them act dishonestly.
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