By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Donald Trump’s efforts to “fix” elections and ensure permanent Republican control of the U.S. government are intensifying. After his 2020 defeat, Trump sowed distrust in election processes, prompting voter suppression laws across numerous states. These tactics included executive orders, attempts to manipulate census data, and pressure on states to redraw electoral maps. His actions, along with the support of his administration, raise concerns about undermining the integrity of elections, making it clear that his goal is to prevent future election losses.
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It’s becoming increasingly clear that the Republican Party seems intent on rigging the system to ensure they maintain power, and their strategy appears to involve a multi-pronged attack on voting rights. From the actions they take, it appears they are trying to make certain that the next election, and possibly future ones, are not fair contests. This isn’t about political maneuvering; it’s about a fundamental challenge to the very foundations of democracy.
One crucial aspect of this strategy is the use of executive orders, which can bypass the legislative process and enact policies directly. These orders could be designed to disenfranchise certain groups of voters or to make it harder for them to cast their ballots. Imagine an order that demands specific, rigid forms of identification, knowing that certain populations might have less access to those requirements. It’s a calculated move to narrow the electorate.
Redistricting is another tactic being employed. This is when electoral district lines are redrawn, often to favor one party over another. Republicans have been accused of gerrymandering, which involves manipulating district boundaries to pack opposing voters into a few districts while spreading out their own supporters to dilute the opposing party’s influence. This creates safe seats for the party in power and makes it incredibly difficult for the opposing party to gain ground. The manipulation of voting districts is a direct attack on the fairness of elections.
Furthermore, the Republican Party has targeted mail-in ballots, a practice that gained significant popularity, particularly during the pandemic. The efforts to restrict or eliminate mail-in voting appear to be a blatant attempt to suppress the vote. They attempt to portray mail-in voting as vulnerable to fraud, even though evidence suggests it’s as safe as, or even safer than, in-person voting. This move is particularly concerning since mail-in ballots often increase voter turnout, especially among older adults and those with disabilities.
The ultimate objective is clear: to make voting harder, to reduce the number of people who participate, and to stack the deck in their favor. It’s a carefully orchestrated plan designed to undermine the core principles of democratic governance. The erosion of voting rights through these combined tactics suggests a deep-seated fear of the electorate and a willingness to subvert the will of the people to retain power.
This isn’t just about winning elections; it’s about changing the very definition of what constitutes a fair and democratic society. What is happening appears to be a concerted effort to create a system where the outcomes are predetermined, and where the voice of the people is silenced. The potential consequences of this trend are dire, threatening the very foundation of a society where citizens can choose their leaders and hold them accountable.
The actions are part of a larger, decades-long pattern of voter suppression, indicating a clear authoritarian strategy. Deploying military forces to cities, potentially for voter validation, raises serious concerns of intimidation and suppression. History is full of examples of how such power grabs end, and anyone who values democracy should be concerned.
The courts, particularly the Supreme Court, are also playing a role, as they seem willing to gut the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This act has been crucial in protecting the rights of minority voters, and any weakening of it would allow for increased discrimination.
The situation demands a response. The people must push back against these attacks on their rights. This could involve supporting organizations that are fighting voter suppression, contacting representatives, and making their voices heard. It’s a matter of defending the fundamental principles of democracy and ensuring that the right to vote remains a cornerstone of American society. The time to act is now, before these efforts completely dismantle the pillars of fair and free elections.