By Matt Underwood It’s a chilling reality we’re facing, the growing influence of election deniers in positions of power, particularly now that Trump is back in the White House. The implications are far-reaching and potentially catastrophic for the future of American democracy. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the Republican strategy is shifting towards solidifying their grip on power, regardless of the will of the voters.
The core of the problem lies in the fact that many within the Republican party have been complicit in actions that could lead to legal repercussions if the Democrats were to regain power. This creates a powerful incentive to rig elections, manipulate outcomes, and maintain control at any cost. This isn’t just about winning; it’s about survival for those involved.
We’re witnessing a dangerous trend: the appointment of individuals who have actively questioned the legitimacy of past elections to key positions that oversee future ones. People like Heather Honey, now the deputy assistant secretary for Election Integrity at the Department of Homeland Security, and Kurt Olsen, working on a special project investigating the 2020 election. This is a clear indicator of the direction things are heading. The fox is being put in charge of the henhouse.
The ramifications of these appointments are profound. We’re already seeing a systematic dismantling of safeguards meant to protect the integrity of elections. Federal programs that support election infrastructure and security are being slashed, leaving local election officials vulnerable. This is coupled with attempts to expand the executive branch’s authority over elections, a move that undermines the constitutional separation of powers.
The concerns about election security are valid. The potential for errors, political manipulation, and even the weaponization of voter rolls is very real. It’s alarming that efforts to secure elections are being undermined while individuals who doubt the validity of past elections are being placed in positions to influence future ones.
The narrative that Republicans are creating, the demonization of anyone who doesn’t agree with them, the blatant lies they are telling, it is all becoming more and more obvious what they are trying to achieve. They want to be in charge of a nation that only allows one point of view.
It’s tempting to feel helpless, to believe that the system is broken beyond repair. But giving in to despair is the worst thing we can do. The American people, despite everything, still hold a tremendous amount of power, the power of their vote and their voice.
The danger of this situation is clear: the more people lose faith in the possibility of free and fair elections, the more likely they are to seek other, more dangerous means of resistance. America is being pulled apart by corruption and the unwillingness of some to follow the law.
The reality is stark. It’s hard to ignore that some of the very people who claim to uphold democratic values are also actively working to undermine them. Election denial is not a bipartisan problem, but the fact that both sides of the aisle are participating in the process is. The constant denial of what is going on, in front of our eyes, is staggering.
The potential for consequences seems limited. Those involved in undermining democracy might not face legal repercussions, which would only embolden them to continue their efforts. The desperation to return to “normalcy” and the focus on personal comforts are hindering the ability to effectively respond to the threat.
The rise of election deniers is, in many ways, an excuse for bigotry to rear its ugly head. Fear is a powerful motivator. Fear of losing power, fear of change, fear of a future where their place in society is challenged.
The irony is not lost. The focus on personal comfort is, and will be, the downfall of many. It’s important to remember that change is needed, and that we must not allow this current trajectory to continue.
We cannot wait for someone else to fix this. It’s time to realize that waiting for midterms, relying on the courts, or hoping for a savior is not a strategy. The time for action is now. We need to be informed, engaged, and willing to fight for the future of our democracy. If we fail, the consequences will be dire. The situation is critical, and we must act accordingly.