Election deniers could destroy American democracy if voters don't stop

Defending Democracy in a Pivotal Election Cycle: Stopping Election Deniers

The foundations of American democracy are being threatened as those who deny the legitimacy of the 2020 election and participate in anti-democratic protests aim for influential roles as top election administrators. As we step into a vital election year with numerous secretary of state races and local elections about to transpire nationwide, misinformation, suppression, and manipulation pose substantial challenges. To safeguard our democracy, it is imperative that we detach from these threats and rally behind individuals who cherish and protect our democratic institutions.

Given the ongoing assault on American democracy, every American - Democrats, Republicans, and Independents - must recognize the looming dangers and confront them head-on. In this critical battle for our democracy's future, voters can employ the following tactics:

1. Identify and Challenge Misinformation

Falsified information that jeopardizes election integrity must be recognized and countered. Engage in the dissemination of reliable information and back organizations that combat disinformation.

1. Vote for Pro-Democracy Candidates

Support candidates who prioritize election integrity and the safeguarding of voting rights. Common Cause and similar organizations can provide resources to aid voters in distinguishing pro-democracy hopefuls.

1. Promote Voter Registration and Mobilization

Advocate for registration and voter mobilization in underserved communities, which are often targeted by election deniers.

1. Monitor and Oppose Election Denial Strategies

Keep a close watch on election deniers' activities, such as voter registration challenges and efforts to undermine the electoral process. Challenge these tactics through legal action and public advocacy, as demonstrated in North Carolina's ongoing court battles to fortify its election system.

1. Advocate for Stronger Election Laws

Back legislation enhancing election laws and regulations, like the Voting Rights Advancement Act and Freedom to Vote Act. These measures can assist in dismantling voter suppression and ensuring fair and accessible elections.

1. Hold Election Officials Accountable

Ensure that election officials are held responsible for their actions through public scrutiny, media coverage, and community oversight. Organizations like Common Cause can provide voter guides to evaluate politicians' positions on pro-democracy legislation, enabling informed decision-making.

1. Advocate for Transparent Election Data

Support the public disclosure of election data to foster trust in the electoral process and ensure fair, open elections.

Employing these strategies, voters can stand up to election deniers, shield American democracy, and maintain a fair and democratic electoral process.

Resources:

• Common Cause website:
• "Combat Election Denial with Pro-Democracy Strategies" from The HuffPost:
• "Preventing Election Sabotage: An Examination of Election Integrity Legislation" by The Brookings Institution:

Combating election deniers and safeguarding democratic institutions requires a comprehensive approach involving both voter involvement and strategic support for pro-democracy candidates. Utilize the following tactics and resources to achieve this goal:

Strategies for Voters

1. Stay Informed
2. Media Literacy: Practice lateral searching to verify credible sources of information by checking information from multiple reliable sources[1].
3. Participate in Civic Activities
4. Voting: Ensure you are registered and vote. Encourage others to do the same.
5. Local Elections: Engage in local elections, which often set the stage for national politics.
6. Support Pro-Democracy Candidates
7. Research Candidates: Identify candidates who advocate for free and fair elections, voter protection, and democratic values[1].
8. Volunteer for Campaigns: Get involved in campaigns that align with your values, aiding in spreading the message and mobilizing support.
9. Monitor Election Processes
10. Election Data Transparency: Demand publicly accessible and transparent election data to hold election officials accountable and maintain election integrity[5].

Resources to Identify Pro-Democracy Candidates

1. Organizations Fostering Democracy
2. Common Cause: This organization fights against voter suppression and supports legislation like the Freedom to Vote Act and the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA)[1].
3. State Democracy Defenders Fund: An alliance of experts safeguarding democracy and combating election sabotage and autocracy[4].
4. Keep Our Republic: A non-partisan organization focused on preserving the electoral system and ensuring the will of the voters is upheld[3].
5. Election Denial Tracking
6. States United Democracy Center: A center monitoring election deniers and their activities, offering valuable insights into the election denial movement[5].
7. Pro-Democracy Parties and Movements
8. Forward Party: A party promoting infrastructure for principled candidates with solutions grounded in data, collaboration, and pragmatism[3].

Additional Measures

1. Legislation Advocacy
2. Encourage legislation bolstering democratic institutions, such as the Freedom to Vote Act and the Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA)[1].
3. Legal Support
4. Organizations such as Keep Our Republic and State Democracy Defenders Fund identify vulnerabilities in the electoral system and prepare responses to safeguard election integrity[3][4].
5. Public Awareness Campaigns
6. Get involved in public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the importance of democratic institutions and the dangers of election denialism[5].

By integrating these strategies and leveraging these resources, voters can successfully tackle election deniers and safeguard democratic institutions during crucial election years.