Actions to Strengthen American Democracy

Ben Wikler, author of the upcoming book “This Is the Plan: How to End America’s Meltdown and Save Democracy,” raises concerns about the state of American democracy under President Trump and his allies. Recently, Trump labeled California’s primary election as “rigged,” and an F.B.I. raid targeted an Ohio voter registration group, reminiscent of actions post-2020 election.

Despite these challenges, there are proactive steps Americans can take to ensure democracy not only survives but thrives. Wisconsin, where Wikler served as the chair of the state Democratic Party from 2019 to the previous year, offers an example. The state became a competitive political battleground, shifting from a “democracy desert” to potentially a fully Democratic state this fall.

This transformation is possible nationwide by channeling political concerns into efforts to rebuild democratic foundations. Ensuring free and fair elections for all candidates requires a comprehensive plan and the collective efforts of Democrats, independents, and Republicans dedicated to creating a stronger political system.

Convincing individuals to change their minds about voting or which candidate to support is challenging. However, the actual number of minds that need changing to make a difference is relatively small. For example, in the 2024 elections, only 7,309 votes across three closely contested districts secured the House majority for Republicans, continuing Mike Johnson’s difficult tenure as Speaker.