The Election Protection Gap: When Institutional Loyalty Trumps Democracy

The warning signs are flashing bright red, and yet some of America’s most influential institutions remain curiously silent in the face of an unfolding crisis. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, a disturbing pattern is emerging: many who pledged to defend democracy after the January 6 attack on the Capitol have retreated from their commitments.

In the aftermath of that traumatic event, major philanthropies and law firms made bold promises to protect our system of fair and free elections. University presidents publicly condemned attempts to undermine the democratic process, while some of America’s largest businesses vowed to cease donations to candidates who sought to overturn election results. However, with less than 100 days until the midterms, it has become painfully clear that not all of these institutions have maintained their commitment to defending democracy.

Fear of government retribution is a significant reason for this retreat. Leaders in various sectors – philanthropy, business, academia, and law – are wary of being seen as “too political” or risking future favors from those in power. But with the integrity of our elections under unprecedented strain, and government officials signaling that even more aggressive attacks may follow, it’s time for these institutions to reaffirm their role as defenders of American democracy.

The stakes are higher than ever before. Over the past 18 months, the Justice Department has dismantled agencies tasked with protecting elections from foreign interference and ensuring their smooth administration. President Donald Trump continues to make baseless claims about election fraud, while Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin has threatened local election officials who fail to comply with his department’s unproven allegations.

The federal government’s attempts to wrest control of elections from the states have been repeatedly ruled illegal by courts. Yet, experts across the country are bracing for potential disaster in the coming months: false allegations casting doubt on individual races, state officials refusing to certify election results as required by law, or baseless efforts to block House members from taking their seats.

Despite this bleak landscape, there is hope. Enormous work has been done to protect the integrity of November’s election – a testament to the dedication and resilience of those fighting to defend democracy. However, it’s not enough. Leaders who have yet to join this effort must be persuaded to take action now, regardless of their politics.

Losing our system of fair and free elections would have far-reaching consequences, affecting every aspect of American life. Institutions can play a crucial role in preventing this disaster by reminding elected officials of the need to respect election results and upholding nonpartisan principles as preconditions for a functioning democracy.

Business leaders should use their relationships with the executive branch and Congress to advocate for free and fair elections. Institutional leaders with ties to state and local officials must remind them that attempts to disenfranchise eligible voters via last-minute changes to election rules, baseless claims of fraud, or partisan attempts to deny certification harm our democracy and create turmoil.

Supporting local election administrators – often underappreciated heroes who are subject to threats and harassment by those seeking to undermine their mission – is also crucial. Encouraging employees to become poll workers, supporting nonpartisan civic organizations that defend election officials, or bringing Americans from across the political spectrum together to support the right of all citizens to have their vote counted can make a significant difference.

Standing up for fair and free elections is not without risk, but ignoring the threat to our country until it’s too late poses an even greater danger. One day, leaders will face the same question as every other citizen who loves this country: “Where were you when the stakes were highest?” What they tell their children and grandchildren will depend on what they do now.

It’s time for America’s institutions to choose between loyalty to those in power and loyalty to democracy itself. The choice is clear, but the clock is ticking – and history will judge us all accordingly.