By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Despite favorable polling for Democrats in the 2026 midterms, experts warn of potential threats to election integrity. Political scientist Austin Sarat highlights concerns based on former President Trump’s past actions and plans outlined in Project 2025, which aims to influence election outcomes. Democrats, as well as the public, must prepare to prevent potential issues. Additionally, the article emphasizes the emerging risks of AI-generated propaganda campaigns, adding another layer of complexity to the challenges facing democratic societies.
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It Would Be a ‘Mistake’ for Democrats to Assume Trump Won’t Try to Subvert 2026 Elections: Experts | “What are the remaining checks? Every check is gone.” is a crucial conversation we need to be having right now. To think that a man who tried to overturn a previous election, and made no secret of his desire for a third term, wouldn’t attempt to manipulate future elections is, frankly, naive. The evidence is all there, laid bare for anyone who’s willing to see it. It’s not a matter of “if,” but “when” and “how.”
The history is clear: Trump has never shied away from attempts to manipulate elections. The methods may evolve, but the intent remains. The focus has been on exploiting perceived weaknesses, spreading misinformation, and potentially using governmental agencies to suppress opposition. The removal of mail drop boxes before the 2020 election is just one example. The question shouldn’t be whether it’s possible, but what tactics will be employed and how those in power will respond.
Consider this: the checks and balances designed to protect the integrity of our elections are eroding. The very systems in place to prevent such subversion have been deliberately targeted and weakened. What safeguards remain? The experts’ assessment is stark: “Every check is gone.” The people, then, become the final line of defense, but they must be prepared and informed to act decisively when the moment arrives.
The possibility of ICE, an agency with a history of controversy, being used to intimidate voters and disrupt the election process, cannot be dismissed. The potential for orchestrated misinformation campaigns to sow distrust in the voting process is also a high concern. We should all anticipate coordinated efforts to manipulate voter rolls, create voter intimidation tactics, and possibly even an attempt to seize voting records. The lack of faith in the system opens up opportunities for challenges in certification and even preventing duly elected officials from being sworn in. This is not simply about political maneuvering; it strikes at the core of our democratic values.
The response to such threats must be comprehensive. Waiting for the midterms is not a viable strategy. Democrats must devise a detailed, proactive plan to counter these tactics. This includes bolstering state-level election security, enacting legislation to protect voters, and establishing contingency plans for various scenarios. But it extends beyond legal measures, requiring a commitment from civil society.
If the electoral process becomes irredeemable, the only checks remaining involve the actions of states. If the results are blatantly stolen, and a critical mass of states refuse to acknowledge the outcome, we face the prospect of a constitutional crisis. It is a terrifying proposition, but it is one that cannot be ignored.
The focus cannot just be on the federal government. With elections run by the states, we must be looking at the role of state-level officials. Those seeking election must be able to protect their electorate. The concern of a fully rigged election, with the possibility of software manipulation, must be considered.
This is not a matter of pessimism, but of pragmatism. The goal is not to predict the inevitable but to prepare for the possible. The American people, the states, and the elected officials must be ready to confront this challenge head-on. The future of our democracy depends on it. Waiting until the election is upon us will be too late. The time to prepare is now. It’s a call to action. It is a matter of safeguarding the very principles upon which this nation was founded.