The second Trump administration is systematically eroding the institutional foundations of competitive elections without formally abolishing them, according to Daniel Altschuler and Javier Corrales. They argue that the White House has a plan to achieve what scholars call 'electoral subversion'—changing electoral rules in their favor. Protectors of democracy must have a counter-plan of their own.
Multiple fronts of electoral subversion
The administration has rewarded those who used violence to disrupt the last transfer of power, disabled federal agencies charged with protecting election integrity, moved to extend executive control over voter registration, and threatened to withhold terrorism prevention funding from states that do not change their voting rules. Donald Trump continues to claim without proof that the election system is rigged, which allows officials to justify changing rules to subvert free and fair elections. Allied state legislatures have moved to give themselves greater control over election certification, eroding the independence of electoral monitoring.
Coherent plan behind the moves
The logic of each move is to narrow the field of who votes, who counts, and who wins. In January 2026, Trump told Reuters: 'When you think of it, we shouldn't even have an election.' Altschuler and Corrales note that electoral subversion is common among illiberal presidents who begin to lose electoral competitiveness. While democracy-respecting presidents adjust public policies, illiberal presidents adjust electoral rules.
Key actions for democracy protectors
Community organizations must not slow down efforts to register and educate millions of voters. High turnout can make it harder for saboteurs to claim that results don't reflect the will of the people. The recent Hungarian election—where autocrat Viktor Orbán accepted defeat in a high-turnout election—bears this out. Fighting voter abstention is crucial, as electoral subversion aims to convince voters that the system is rigged.
Legal observers and litigators
Large numbers of legal observers and litigators will be needed this fall to monitor poll sites. In Venezuela, María Corina Machado's strategy to defeat Maduro involved maximizing election watchers at polling centers. While Maduro declared victory, the opposition built infrastructure to widely publicize the fraud.
Scenario planning and training
Pro-democracy groups must begin scenario planning and training early, based on local threats. Well-designed training can inoculate communities against a dip in turnout by reinforcing agency. Since risks may materialize before election day, it is insufficient to focus only on business-as-usual activities.
Preparing for red-line moments
Civil society must prepare for moments when the administration flouts democratic processes. The people of Minnesota demonstrated this when thousands of federal agents were deployed. Community, labor, and faith organizations organized a citywide general strike and march of upwards of 75,000 people, partnered with local leaders, and built solidarity actions across the country, leading to the withdrawal of federal forces.
Collaboration with election officials
Strong collaboration between pro-democracy groups and government officials working for free and fair elections is essential. Election administration officials in many states are under threat and need support. Engaging early with community groups that are trusted messengers can help in a fractured information environment.
Expanding the pro-democracy coalition
The pro-democracy coalition needs to include broad sectors of society—including higher education, legal advocacy, business, and faith organizations—to stand up for a fair count and certification process. This requires establishing cross-sector relationships well before the election and avoiding tribalism.
Altschuler and Corrales conclude that the administration and aligned election interferers are using resources to sow confusion, exhaustion, and despair. It is up to the pro-democracy movement to respond with strategic organizing, savvy coalition-building, and a commitment to ensure that voters cast their ballots and that every vote counts.
