Midterm Elections and the Integrity of Democracy

Approximately 250 million Americans have the opportunity to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. Already, by last week, over 34 million have cast their ballots. As this unfolds, former President Trump and his supporters are attempting to influence the process. A significant number of candidates this year are challenging the integrity of elections despite consistent evidence of fairness. Some have been involved in Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Others align themselves with his baseless allegations of electoral fraud. Voters should reject such candidates.

Voting represents a crucial duty of citizenship. In democratic societies, it empowers individuals to challenge tyranny and corruption, decide on the allocation of taxes, and shape the nation’s future. Fair elections facilitate peaceful transitions between leaders, a concept recognized by scholars as both rare and recently established globally.

All U.S. public officials pledge to protect and defend the Constitution. Trump has taken this oath twice but consistently violated it during his presidency. He is actively working to undermine voter trust and states’ abilities to conduct elections fairly. Such actions are against national values, ethical standards, and constitutional principles.

“American elections are quite well-run,” states the American Bar Association.

An October analysis by the nonpartisan States United Democracy Center reveals that 197 election deniers are on midterm ballots across 43 states. These individuals have perpetuated Trump’s falsehoods about the 2020 election or attempted to invalidate the results. The center notes 163 congressional races featuring election deniers. Their election is significant, as they would participate in the 2028 presidential election certification, a process previously targeted by Trump’s supporters in 2021 through false elector appointments and riots delaying Congress’s certification of Biden’s victory.

In addition, 33 election deniers in 21 states are seeking statewide positions such as governors, attorneys general, or secretaries of state. For instance, Republican gubernatorial candidates Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Byron Donalds (R-Fla), and Tom Tiffany (R-Wis) have histories of contesting legitimate electoral votes. Their participation threatens democratic principles.

Continuing claims of significant electoral irregularities lack evidence. Legal experts argue that the Constitution may bar deniers from office under the 14th Amendment, which disqualifies those who violate their oath through rebellion. In 2024, the Supreme Court complicated this, asserting that only Congress can disqualify officials, lacking constitutional basis.

Though Trump isn’t on the current ballot, voters can hold him accountable by rejecting those candidates who deny the 2020 election results and support undermining elections. Such a stand is essential in restoring trust and adherence to constitutional duties.

The institutions of democracy must reclaim their integrity. This election is a step towards ensuring that candidates who threaten this are held accountable.

William S. Becker, co-editor and contributor to “Democracy Unchained: How to Rebuild Government for the People,” has experience as a senior official in the Wisconsin Department of Justice. He currently directs the Presidential Climate Action Project.