President Trump and his allies have been undermining the core of American democracy. They’ve accused the recent primary election in California of being ‘rigged.’ His FBI also conducted a raid on a voter registration group in Ohio. These actions echo his behavior following his 2020 election loss.

Despite this, there are steps we can all take to help safeguard and even enhance democracy in the United States.

Lessons from Wisconsin

Wisconsin has experienced a microcosm of the national situation. I served as the state’s Democratic Party chair from 2019 to last year. During this time, Wisconsin, once described as a ‘democracy desert’ by journalist David Daley, became a competitive purple state with potential to turn entirely blue in upcoming elections.

This transformation serves as a model for nationwide efforts. It’s possible to channel political fears into rebuilding Democratic foundations to support fair elections for candidates of every party.

A Call to Action

We need a unified plan involving all Americans. Democrats, independents, and Republicans who are dedicated to creating a resilient and just political system must contribute to this effort. Changing a person’s voting stance can be challenging. Nonetheless, we don’t need to change many minds to make a difference.

In 2024, the outcome of the House majority was determined by a mere 7,309 votes across three closely fought districts. These votes extended Mike Johnson’s troubled speakership.

With understanding and action, these strategies can fortify American democracy against internal and external threats. Ensuring free and fair elections is a critical goal we can all work towards.