Election deniers are on the ballot everywhere in U.S. midterms

Some 60 per cent of American voters will see an election denier on their local ballot on Nov 8. Those who win could play a role in deciding the next presidential election in 2024.

HARRISBURG, PENN.— If you believe the warnings, the future of American democracy will be decided in November’s midterm elections.

Ballots in most parts of the U.S. will feature Republican candidates who spread Donald Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

There are hopefuls for every level of office: congress, governor, attorney general, and members of state legislatures. They span the spectrum from extreme conspiracy theorists to those who have openly raised doubts about the legitimacy of the 2020 vote.

It’s estimated 60 per cent of American voters will see at least one Republican election denier on their local ballot on Nov. 8. The winners of some of those races will ultimately control how future elections are conducted, and how results are certified — including the next presidential election in 2024.

“It’s extremely unfortunate for so many reasons,” says Adam Lawrence, a professor of political science at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. He points out that there should be no doubt that Joe Biden won the last election.

“In 2020 there were 65 election lawsuits that (Trump) and his team litigated in court,” he says. “They lost 64.”

Pennsylvania is the birthplace of American democracy. It’s where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and signed by the Founding Fathers.

It’s also the state where observers worry free and fair elections may be in their dying days.