Defending the Election, Defending Democracy

So please raise your right hand. I pledge to the greatest president in the history of the United States…I don’t care if I’m registered or not, I’m going to try to cheat like hell, like they do.” – Donald Trump

“You’re damn right we’re gonna have ICE surround the polls come November. We’re not gonna sit here and allow you to steal the country again.

"This is why we need a national emergency proclamation, a national emergency memo, about the upcoming elections. You're going to have to have a forcing function to get to ID. You're going to have to have a forcing function not to have the phony mail-in ballots.

"It ain't intimidation if you're a United States citizen. It's an intimidation if you're a foreigner and here illegally and not eligible to vote. It should be intimidating. We don't want you here..." – Steve Bannon

So here we are. The president of the United States – terrified of losing power and being held to account for his crimes – is openly calling for his supporters to commit election fraud.

His right-wing extremist supporters are ginning up support for a potential coup disguised as a national emergency. Immigrant communities will certainly bear the brunt of the violence they are threatening.

How do we defend the integrity of the 2026 mid-term elections? How do we defend democracy itself?

There are many possible scenarios that could put democracy at risk, including…

• A “hard coup” – Trump proclaims a national emergency and claims emergency powers to cancel the election.

• A “soft coup” – the election takes place, but the Republican-controlled 119th Congress refuses to seat the newly elected 120th Congress.

• A “legal coup” – the election takes place, but Trumpistas allege fraud and sue to prevent certification, sending the results into legal limbo.

• Legal challenges to election results in key swing districts.

• Legal challenges to voter lists and/or election methods in key districts.

• Use of the US Postal Service (USPS) to sabotage vote-by-mail (a special concern for Washington State voters).

• Intimidation at polling locations and/or drop boxes by ICE or right-wing militias.

• Sabotage of drop boxes by right-wing terrorists.

• Mob violence incited by claims of voter fraud.

Each of these potential threats requires us to think of practical strategies and tactics in response. Fortunately, we are not without allies, and we are not without resources.

PSARA is working with Standing for Democracy and the Voter Protection Alliance to identify potential threats to democratic elections and respond in the most effective way.

We wish to share the following resources with our members:

• Use ballot drop boxes, not USPS – Because the Trump administration is actively undermining legal mail-in voting, there are concerns that mail-in ballots may not be delivered by the deadline. We recommend that voters use drop boxes rather than USPS. Many counties have added additional drop boxes to accommodate voters with concerns about mailing in their ballots. You can find the drop box nearest you on the Washington Secretary of State’s portal – VoteWA Voter Portal

• Voter Protection Hotline – set up by the Washington State Democratic Party. The number is 206-309-VOTE (8683). Please share this number with your friends, neighbors, family, and co-workers. You can report any irregularities before, during, or after the election and also ask election-related questions.

• Printing your own ballots – There are concerns that voters might not receive their ballots in the mail. Here is the link for King County Voters for printing out your ballot at home if this threat materializes.  https://wa.omniballot.us/sites/53033/site/app/home – This site will allow you to print, mark, and review, your ballot before returning it to King County Elections. Residents of other counties should check with their county election commissions.

• Freedom Trainers Election Defense Scenarios – Freedom Trainers, a network of experienced educators and organizers, has prepared a manual for action in the event of several possible election scenarios. You can access it on their website at https://freedomtrainers.net.

Yes, these are scary times. We’re worried about the future of this country. And we should be worried. But we should also be prepared to take simple practical steps to defend our democratic rights to a free and fair election. Share this information with your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Solidarity is key. None of us are alone.