The Election Deniers on the Ballot: A Threat to Democracy’s Fabric

The midterms are upon us, and a disturbing trend has emerged that should give every American pause. Almost 200 individuals who have repeatedly undermined the integrity of our electoral system will vye for powerful positions in Congress and state governments across the country. These election deniers pose a direct threat to the trust in our elections, which is the foundation of our democracy.

According to data from States United Action, a nonpartisan nonprofit that tracks election denialism, 197 election deniers will be on the ballot for congressional and statewide races in 43 states this November. These individuals have a history of spreading baseless conspiracy theories about voting machines, mail-in ballots, and noncitizen voter fraud. They’ve pushed these claims even when faced with overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Some of these election deniers already hold positions of power within state governments. As of writing, 27 individuals who have been elected to statewide offices – such as secretary of state or attorney general – have the authority to oversee elections. This year, another 33 will seek similar positions, potentially putting them in a position to influence voting rules or prosecute voters they deem “cheaters.”

President Donald Trump’s own involvement in perpetuating election denialism is also concerning. States United Action has documented that 60% of his statements referencing elections since 2020 have included explicit claims of fraud, rigging, or theft – a percentage that rose to 84% in the second quarter of this year.

Election deniers are feeling emboldened, as Joanna Lydgate, CEO of States United Action, notes: “The election-denial movement is more powerful than ever, and it’s a direct threat to our freedom to vote.” One need only look at recent examples to see this threat in action. In the Michigan Senate Race, former US Representative Mike Rogers has seemingly transformed his stance on election denialism from one of condemnation to endorsement.

Or consider the Wisconsin Governor Race, where Tom Tiffany, who signed up for a Texas lawsuit seeking to invalidate President Joe Biden’s victory and voted against certifying results, now warmly welcomes the FBI’s investigation into state elections. The pattern is clear: as election deniers gain traction within government, they use their positions to advance restrictive voting laws, suppress voter turnout, and undermine trust in our electoral system.

The Ohio Governor Race offers a chilling example of what could be in store for democracy if election deniers succeed. Billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy has proposed constitutional amendments that enshrine restrictive voter ID laws, potentially disenfranchising thousands of eligible voters.

As Wendy Weiser, vice president for democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice, cautions: “All Americans should be concerned if people who are trying to undermine trust in elections and trying to interfere in the election process are taking positions of responsibility over elections.” It’s imperative that voters pay close attention to these races and hold elected officials accountable for their actions. The integrity of our democracy depends on it.

In the coming weeks, WIRED will be tracking several key races featuring election deniers closely. As we do so, it’s essential to remember that this is not just about partisan politics; it’s about the very fabric of our democracy. Election denialism has already done significant damage to trust in elections; if allowed to persist unchecked, it could irreparably harm the foundations of our republic.

We can’t afford to let election deniers win. The future of our democracy hangs in the balance, and every American should be vigilant in defending its integrity.