No, the president can’t ban mail voting
October 1, 2025
The president does not have any legal authority over the administration of mail voting for three main reasons
Research & Analysis
News & resources
Freedom is threatened by democracy crumbling from within. We use research, technology, and data analysis to protect what's working in our democracy today — and to help build the democracy of tomorrow.
Tracking retaliatory use of arrests, prosecutions, and investigations by the Trump administration
How to tell if the Trump DOJ is enforcing the law or retaliating against political enemies.
October 26, 2026
Frequently asked questions about the 2026 midterm elections
No, President Trump cannot cancel the 2026 midterm elections, but he is doing everything he can to interfere with them.
October 23, 2026
What to do if you face intimidation at the polls
Federal agents at or near polling locations could be voter intimidation even if they are not right outside that location. Here’s how you should respond.
October 22, 2026
What to know about efforts to interfere in the 2026 midterms (and why they are likely to fail)
The federal government has used its power in ways that put pressure on the midterms. Here are scenarios we're watching for.
October 21, 2026
What to expect during the 2026 election season
While many of the worst federal interference efforts have failed, we need to remain vigilant throughout the midterm election season through the process of voting, counting, and certification.
October 20, 2026
Can federal law enforcement or troops be deployed to the polls?
Law enforcement or troops at the polls is unlikely, but it’s worth understanding exactly why that is. Civil society is mobilizing in unprecedented ways to prepare.
October 16, 2026
Noncitizen voting lies, explained
Viral lies about noncitizen voting are straight out of the election subversion playbook.
October 16, 2026
Why emergency powers don’t allow presidents to interfere with elections
Emergency declarations may sound threatening, but even in a scenario where the president is exercising these presidential powers, he will run into real limits.
October 15, 2026
The SAVE tool, explained
The use of the SAVE tool are part of a larger effort to weaponize government data and tilt the 2026 elections before a single ballot is cast.
October 14, 2026
The ‘blue shift’ and ‘red mirage’ in election results, explained
The terms refer to a phenomenon where the proportion of votes counted for Democratic candidates increases as votes continue to be tabulated.
October 1, 2026
