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.
No, the president cannot declare martial law to interfere with elections
The president does not have the authority to declare martial law. No provision in the Constitution grants it and no federal law authorizes it.
November 2, 2026
California’s vote count, explained
Here’s what you need to know about vote counting in California, and how it’s changed in recent years
October 29, 2026
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 28, 2026
Voter rolls, explained
Voter roll maintenance helps ensure that voter rolls contain the right people and can be trusted as the foundation of our elections.
October 27, 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
Authoritarianism, explained
Authoritarianism is a method of rule that suppresses political freedoms and civil rights, using various levers of control to shift power from the people to the hands of one ruler or set of rulers.
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
