Opinion polls indicate that Democrats might capture control of the House and Senate during the ongoing midterm elections with early and mail voting in play. Nonetheless, opinion polls are fallible. The unexpected win of President Trump over Hillary Clinton in 2016 serves as a reminder that predictions can be inaccurate. Democrats should not anticipate a sweeping victory that eliminates Republican majorities in Congress or state houses where Democrats have often lost.
The Democratic Party must engage in an exhaustive get-out-the-vote campaign from the present until Election Day. A robust effort to mobilize voters is crucial, followed by securing Democratic wins that Republicans may challenge. Beyond reaching frequent and occasional Democratic voters, there is a need to attract independents and Republicans dissatisfied with Trump’s policies, extremism, and unmet promises from the 2024 campaign.
Educating voters about registration, identification, and ballot access rules distinct to each state is vital. Reliable, state-specific information is key before heading to the polls, and it’s accessible here. Encouraging early voting, whether by mail or in person, is also important. Unforeseen issues like bad weather, illness, or heavy workloads can hinder voters from voting on Election Day. Campaigns and civic organizations may assist voters with mail or drop-off ballots, where permissible.
Historically, Republicans have constructed strong Election Day turnout strategies, with volunteers at the precinct level and organizing weeks in advance. Democrats must match this dedication. Pro-democracy organizations like No Kings are striving to elevate voter turnout. As stated on No Kings’ website: “Power belongs to the people, but only if we use it.” Democrats should enhance their field operations while collaborating with groups that promote voting, especially targeting young and less frequent voters.
Voters should verify their registration status immediately. Confirm locations, understand deadlines, and devise a plan to vote. Vote411 offers beneficial information on making a voting plan on their website.
Democrats must be prepared for challenges by Trump and his allies to election results, possible misinformation, and discord if Republican candidates lose. The January 6, 2021, Capitol attack underscores the need to honor voter decisions and ensure peaceful power transfers. Democrats should be prepared to address Republican attempts to delegitimize valid election outcomes through legal processes.
Democrats must also monitor changes in election administration and redistricting that could affect congressional race competitiveness. Election integrity relies on fair rules, transparent methods, and public trust in outcomes. Trump’s narrative that any lost election is rigged is false. Having campaigned for Democrats over decades and serving twice as interim chair for the Democratic National Committee, I have never seen an election manipulated unlawfully.
Sometimes, outstanding candidates lose. This occurred with Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential bid in 2024. Even though she had potential, like her, I respected the electorate’s choice to re-elect Trump. Each election concludes with both winners and losers, barring uncontested races.
The United States boasts a history of elections managed by Democratic and Republican officials at state and local levels. Safeguarding this legacy surpasses party lines, defining the country as a leader in democracy. My final counsel for Americans across the political spectrum is to trust in democracy and uphold the principles of free and fair elections. As former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill eloquently stated in 1947, “No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise…”
Donna Brazile is a political strategist, contributor to ABC News, and former chair of the Democratic National Committee. She is the author of “Hacks: Inside the Break-ins and Breakdowns That Put Donald Trump in the White House.”