As Election Day looms, there is a moment in history that Americans must not ignore when casting their votes. Jan. 6, 2021, marked not only a physical attack of violence on the Capitol, but an everlasting attack on democracy as a whole. Former President Donald Trump set a precedent during the insurrection that undermines the democratic process – and he wasn’t even in office.
An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey found that every three in ten Republicans had little to no confidence in the legitimacy of their most recent primaries and caucuses. Concern surrounding counting votes and fraud will only increase in a larger and higher-stakes election.
This is exactly the reason Trump supporters attacked the Capitol following the last presidential election. He violently promoted false notions of a stolen election – still not admitting that he lost fairly – and supporters blindly believed him.
Judges, including some appointed by Trump himself, found no evidence of fraud that would have changed the outcome of the 2020 election. Yet, his narrative lives on – representing the decay of trust in the democratic process.
Now, Americans fear attacks following Nov. 5, which is arguably even more competitive than the 2020 race. A Reuters poll found that every two in three Americans worry about violence in the upcoming election – including both Republicans and Democrats. This high level of anxiety – a level which was likely nonexistent eight years ago – is a direct result of Trump’s resistance to a peaceful transfer of power.
Trump’s inability to accept election results and peacefully transfer power represents his prioritization of personal power over serving the American people – and extremists are helping him.
MSNBC reported that agents from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security are warning local law enforcement about potential violence from domestic extremists on Election Day. Driven by conspiracies of voter fraud and an intense sense of polarization, extremists are continuing to promote Trump’s precedent of violence.
Democracy is only upheld when every individual has a voice. The misinformation and violence which Trump endorsed following a fair election is affecting Americans expressing their right to vote today.
Jan. 6 should serve as a stark reminder that the effects of a second Trump term are inimaginable. His ability to undermine democracy outside of office will only increase if given legitimate power.
Typically, Americans are able to cast their votes for favorable policies or candidates, but this election has more at stake. Voting with upholding democracy and its fair processes in mind is crucial for a more stable future.
Layne Rey is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Let Layne know by tweeting her @laynerey12.
