As the midterm elections draw near, democracy scholars and elections officials continue to worry about the possibility of federal interference in a free and fair vote.
This week in OtherWords, Nicholas Martinez — himself a former local elections official — says there’s good reason to worry. But he notes that while attempts to undermine the vote are getting lots of headlines, most of them aren’t succeeding.
Martinez calls on voters to be clear-eyed about these threats, but also to “stay the course” and commit to participating in the democratic process. “Democracy works when people are willing to defend it by showing up to vote,” he argues, and urges readers to make a plan to vote today.
Earlier this year, scholars Ben Manski, Michael Shank, and April Doner studied the possibility of a constitutional crisis and considered how movements might respond. This week in OtherWords, they highlight America’s cities as a possible bulwark against federal interference and call on local leaders to do more to connect their efforts together. They also call on Congress to reclaim its constitutional role as the primary branch of government amid threats of a dictatorship.
Also this week, Paul Armentano highlights the success of marijuana legalization efforts in reducing the number of minors using the drug. “Legalization has accomplished something that prohibition never could. It took marijuana products off the street corner and placed them behind the counter — largely out of the reach of young people,” he writes.
New This Week…
Democracy Works — When We Defend It | Nicholas Martinez
I spent years as a local elections official. More attacks on this year’s elections are coming — defeat them by making a plan to vote today.
Preparing for a Constitutional Crisis | Ben Manski, Michael Shank, and April Doner
The administration may attempt to thwart the midterm election results. How can communities prepare to defend the vote?
Want to Keep Marijuana Away from Teens? Legalize It | Paul Armentano
Licensed retailers check IDs and deny service to underage patrons. Drug dealers don’t.
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Higher fuel and food prices are on track to cost the average household over $1,300 by the end of the year.
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The vice president wants to pay parents who stay home by taking funds from a program that helps single parents afford child care.
