Midterms 2026

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Midterms 2026

In the run-up to the election, the federal government is exerting unprecedented pressure on American democracy.

This year’s election is like no other for one reason: The Trump administration is trying to undermine the electoral process itself. Add in AI-boosted cybersecurity threats and misinformation, and it makes for an unprecedented challenge. But state and local election officials, the courts, and others are pushing back to ensure that voters have the final say.

Resource

Vote Safely in 2026

Sending troops or ICE officers to the polls is illegal. Here’s how you can protect your vote and your community’s voice, even if federal agents unlawfully show up.

Federal Interference

The Trump administration is engaging in an unprecedented effort to take control of the election process and undermine trust in the results.

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Election Interference Won’t Work If Americans Vote

The administration’s attack on elections has failed in Congress and courts. Now it’s up to voters.

Michael Waldman

September 9, 2026
Analysis

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The Trump Administration’s Campaign to Undermine the Next Election

The executive branch is interfering in U.S. elections in unprecedented ways.

Jasleen Singh

August 3, 2025
Expert Brief

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Timeline of the Trump Administration’s Efforts to Undermine Elections

Together, these actions form a concerted strategy to interfere with elections.

February 9, 2026
Resource

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The Trump Administration Is Losing Its Fight to Take Over Elections

The president’s strategy has faced defeat at every turn so far.

Andrew Garber

August 6, 2026
Analysis

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Analyzing the President’s Executive Order on Mail Voting

This bid to seize control of mail voting would wreak havoc on elections and harm American voters.

Wendy R. Weiser Sean Morales-Doyle

April 8, 2026
Expert Brief

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“Confidential” Agreements Show Trump Administration’s Plans for States’ Voter Data

At least 10 states have handed over their full voter files to the Justice Department.

Eileen O’Connor

February 5, 2026
Analysis

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Law Enforcement Demands for Records

Based on discredited theories of election fraud, federal law enforcement is pursuing state and local election records.

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Resistance to Trump Administration’s Demands for State Voter Files Is Bipartisan and Widespread

Republican and Democratic leaders alike are pushing back against the Justice Department’s unlawful attempts to collect voter data.

Eileen O’Connor

May 6, 2026
Analysis

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Baseless Allegations Drive Law Enforcement Seizures of Election Records

Seizures this year in multiple states have been based on faulty information and risk undermining trust in elections.

Stephen Richer Ruby Edlin

May 6, 2026
Analysis

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Federal Courts Reject Trump Administration’s Attempts to Obtain Private Voter Information

Judges in 11 states have ruled that the DOJ cannot force states to turn over voter lists — and a few questioned the administration’s motives.

Andrew Garber

June 30, 2026
Analysis

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Influence of Big Money

Wealthy donors and corporations dominate electoral giving and spending like never before, drowning out the voices of everyday Americans.

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Poll: Voters Want Solutions for Government Corruption

Overwhelming majorities across parties see corruption as a major problem and back measures to limit self-dealing by officials and the influence of money in politics.

Alex Brunet Marina Pino

June 2, 2026
Analysis

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Citizens United, Explained

The 2010 Supreme Court decision further tilted political influence toward wealthy donors and corporations.

Daniel I. Weiner

January 29, 2025
Explainer

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Series

Money in the 2026 Election

In the run-up to November, the Brennan Center is releasing analyses exploring key trends shaping how money flows into our elections and whose voices are heard the loudest.

Explore Series

Voter Suppression

State laws that make it harder to vote have proliferated, and they often disproportionately affect people of color.

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Americans Can Vote Without Fear

We have the tools we need to protect the vote.

Hayne Yoon

July 28, 2026
Analysis

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A Jim Crow Voter Suppression Tool Is Back

Mass voter challenges are baseless efforts to stop Americans from voting.

Sean Morales-Doyle

July 21, 2026
Analysis

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Sending ICE to Polling Places Is Illegal

Armed federal agents have absolutely no business near election sites.

Jasleen Singh Kendall Verhovek

March 31, 2026
Explainer

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States Already Enacting Harmful SAVE Act Policies, Requiring Proof of Citizenship to Vote

Despite the antidemocratic federal bill stalling in the Senate, new state laws that mimic parts of it will restrict voting for millions of Americans.

Andrew Garber Connie Wu

June 3, 2026
Expert Brief

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Election Security

Additional support is needed to keep elections secure in the face of growing threats, but the federal government has been moving in the wrong direction.