Democracy: Use it or lose it
The midterm elections on Nov. 3 could be the last chance we will ever have to decide our own futures in this democracy. We must turn out and vote in such large numbers that the result cannot be questioned.
Evidence continues to mount that President Donald Trump will send troops or ICE agents to polling places on election day. He says he will “do anything necessary to make sure we have honest elections.” But he knows that if Republicans lose control of Congress, he will almost certainly be impeached again, and he will face investigations into his illegal warfare and corruption.
Trump’s true purpose would be to intimidate voters and disrupt the voting process. That could leave the outcome of the election in doubt. In the ensuing chaos, Trump could assume complete control of the government.
Federal statutes forbid interference in elections by soldiers or armed federal agents, except in the most unlikely circumstances. But Trump has shown repeatedly that he will act without regard for the law. And lawsuits to stop his interference might take days or weeks to resolve, after which the damage could be irreversible.
Republican, Democratic, or Independent, you must vote. Vote early or vote by mail if possible. Or cast your ballot at the polls on Nov. 3, without fear or intimidation. The future of American democracy may hang in the balance. Use it or lose it.