Election-denying candidates seek voting control in 23 states
Updated
Updated · NPR · May 4
Election-denying candidates seek voting control in 23 states
10 articles · Updated · NPR · May 4
The report says dozens are running for posts that directly certify future elections, including in five presidential swing states.
Those offices could influence how ballots are counted, results are certified and election disputes are handled in upcoming contests.
The findings highlight continuing efforts by candidates who reject past election outcomes to gain authority over future voting processes.
How will new federal probes into voter rolls impact the security and privacy of your ballot this November?
What legal tools remain to protect minority voting power after the Supreme Court's recent landmark decision?
How 2026 State Election Battles and Federal Lawsuits Endanger U.S. Democracy in 2028
Overview
In 2025 and 2026, the Trump administration issued executive orders and launched DOJ lawsuits aiming to restrict mail-in voting and obtain state voter data, citing election security. These actions faced strong legal challenges, with multiple states successfully blocking or dismissing lawsuits, while Texas complied. Meanwhile, election deniers gained influence in Republican primaries, backed by Trump's endorsements and an organized infrastructure, shaping key 2026 Secretary of State races in battleground states like Michigan, Nevada, and Georgia. This rise threatens the 2028 election's certification, as officials aligned with denialism could refuse to certify results. Growing distrust fueled by disinformation and redistricting concerns calls for urgent countermeasures to protect democracy and restore public trust.