By John Q. Hosedrinker 
While Donald Trump’s suggestion of foregoing the November election garnered attention, the more concerning issue is the potential for compromised elections. Trump has expressed regret for not seizing voting machines in 2020, revealing a continued intent to undermine the electoral process. Trump and his allies are well-prepared to influence the 2026 midterms, utilizing strategies outlined in Project 2025 that include weaponizing federal power and potentially manipulating voting data. With Trump gaining more experience and ruthlessness, the upcoming elections pose a significant threat to free and fair voting.
Read the original article here
Democrats are campaigning as if the 2026 election will be fair. That’s a mistake.
The political landscape is shifting, and the way Democrats are approaching the upcoming 2026 election raises serious questions. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the established rules of the game might not apply. The early signs, like the gerrymandering efforts that followed Trump’s request, suggest a concerted effort to manipulate the outcome. This isn’t just about traditional campaigning; it’s about potentially battling an opponent who is willing to exploit every possible advantage, and that includes tactics that stretch the boundaries of legality and ethics.
It’s not just about a single election cycle. The potential for interference extends far beyond what we’ve seen before. The focus on investigations, oversight, and even the release of sensitive information paints a picture of a candidate willing to use any means necessary to secure victory and avoid accountability. To approach the 2026 election as if it will be a straightforward contest is to ignore the lessons of recent history, particularly the tactics used in 2024. The failure to pass expanded voting rights, the removal of millions from the ballot rolls through questionable methods, and the threats at polling places all point towards a system under pressure.
Recognizing the potential for unfairness doesn’t mean giving up on the democratic process. Quite the opposite, it underscores the need for increased participation. We must still vote in large numbers. The more people who vote, the harder it will be to deny the legitimacy of the outcome. To assume that the election will be fair is to misunderstand the stakes. The opposition, as evidenced by their aggressive actions, is clearly motivated to control the outcome. Suppressing turnout is a key tactic, but it’s not logistically possible to completely stop people from voting across thousands of elections.
Understanding the potential for voter suppression is crucial. For example, Texas voters should be prepared and informed. They should know their rights, including the ability to sign an affidavit attesting to their identity if challenged at the polls. This may not stop a wholesale assault on voting laws, but it provides a tool to ensure that one’s voice is heard. We can expect more challenges to voters’ right to vote. Legislation such as the SAVE Act, and challenges to women’s voting rights, are both potential threats. The damage to the electorate will be done regardless.
The reality is that this could be a turning point, potentially leading to increased social unrest. This isn’t just about winning an election; it’s about protecting the foundations of democracy itself. Democrats’ current approach seems to be running into the same problems as before. While some may disagree, it appears that the current Democratic leadership has a history of prioritizing the interests of their donors. This may be the core reason they appear unwilling to truly challenge their opposition.
The Democrats’ current strategy, centered on fundraising, lobbying, and appealing to a broad coalition, is unlikely to be effective. Relying on traditional methods may not be enough to counter the tactics of a candidate determined to win at all costs. The focus seems to be on maintaining the status quo, even as the landscape shifts around them. This is the opposite of the change that so many voters are looking for.
It’s necessary to emphasize that while Republicans can cause massive interference with elections, it will not be possible to stop the election. They are already complaining, despite evidence of their past fraud. The only possible way to guarantee an honest election, as things stand, is to show up and vote in large numbers. While avoiding the low road of misinformation and lying is essential, the strategy needs to be effective in today’s political environment.
This is not a time for complacency or expecting a fair fight. The goal should be to mobilize a broader base of voters and challenge the status quo. If those in power are unwilling or unable to adapt, it may be time for new leadership.