I am writing about five threats to the November election that are converging at the same time. Each one makes the others worse. Together they represent the most significant challenge to fair elections in my lifetime.
First, 32 restrictive voting laws passed across 19 states since January 2025. Seven states now ban student IDs for voting. Florida requires a passport or birth certificate to register. Indiana banned student IDs for 40,000 university students. These laws do not prevent fraud. Noncitizen voting is 0.0003% of ballots cast.
Second, the Postal Service is being turned from a neutral carrier into a federal gatekeeper. The proposed USPS rule requires states to submit voter lists with barcoded envelopes. USPS could refuse to deliver any ballot that does not match. 46 million Americans voted by mail in 2024. The median election office budget is $17,691. Compliance costs $10,000 or more per jurisdiction.
Third, AI-generated propaganda now runs without human operators. USC researchers proved in March 2026 that AI agents coordinate campaigns autonomously. There are zero federal laws requiring disclosure of AI-generated political content. CISA, the agency responsible for election security, lost $700 million in budget cuts.
Fourth, $1.9 billion in dark money shaped the 2024 federal elections. A single anonymous 501(c)(4) gave $88 million to MAGA Inc. Voters see the ads. They do not see the donors.
Fifth, 36% of election workers have left since 2020. 32% report threats. 48% of jurisdictions cannot recruit enough poll workers. When the people who run elections are driven out, the elections do not run.
Block the USPS proposed rule on mail ballot voter lists. Pass the DISCLOSE Act to require donor transparency. Fund election administration so jurisdictions can hire and protect workers. These are three actions Congress can take before November. I am asking you to take them.
