Written by Ken Kobayashi, Edited by Emma Rodriguez 7/20
Roughly two weeks ago, we celebrated this nation’s 250th birthday and the great experiment that it represents: the rule of law and of democracy. Right now, numerous corrupt officials are testing our dedication to the idea that government is “of the people, by the people, and FOR the people.” However, we at SanDiego350 are confident that, just as this notion has triumphed over its challengers, we will once again come through this time of trial stronger than ever. Doing so, though, requires that all of us commit to taking sustained action and remain true to this nation’s great ideals.
We recently heard yet another recitation of the tired theme that the only way Donald Trump could have lost the 2020 election was because it was rigged. We all recognize that his false complaints about rigged elections are really just projections of his insecurities and fears about what is likely to happen this November. Let’s look at these claims without the spin.
He expects us to believe the election system is so broken that we must take drastic action to suppress voters through imposing onerous voter registration requirements through the SAVE act and its variations (including the presentation of TWO pieces of identification in person) in order to prevent voter fraud. He also argues that foreign interference is rampant and against him. And that USPS and DHS must preempt the Constitutional structure that states run elections, and that the Federal government must intervene to obtain voter information to “vet” the lists,
Let’s look at the reality.
Federal courts have:
- Left in place Arizona election rules that prohibit aggressive behavior, including frivolous voter challenges, at polling places
- Blocked Administration attempts to obtain state voter rolls yet again (they are 0 for 16)
- Blocked a Kansas law that would have thrown out mail ballots arriving after Election Day (even if properly postmarked)
- Shut down the $1.8 billion DOJ-IRS settlement that would have established the “Jan 6” fund and the rule immunizing the Trump family from IRS investigation
Republicans themselves are starting to abandon ship. Senate Majority Leader Thom Tillis has vowed to stall any attempt to pass SAVE Act legislation. A bipartisan panel in Wisconsin found that Elon Musk’s promise to hand out $1 million checks to those who voted in the 2025 state supreme court election likely broke the law and referred the matter for prosecution. USPS has hit “pause” on implementing the anti-mail voting order. A Republican appointee to the election commission has admitted on camera that no votes were changed in the 2020, 2022, or 2024 elections. Democrats have compiled an impressive record of success in Congressional special elections.
Let’s ask: what provisions of the SAVE Act will prevent subversion of our elections by the Venezuelans, the Chinese, or other state/quasi-state actors? The answer is: none. He is proposing a non-solution to a fictional problem. Why? Well, perhaps because he knows that his deeply unpopular policies can’t win a fair contest.
Whether he recognizes this or not, people recognize that his profoundly corrupt, amoral, and illegal actions are destroying US democracy as well as decades of efforts to preserve a livable planet. Has he brought prices down? Gas prices are spiraling upwards. Has he kept us out of foreign wars? No. In fact, fourteen American servicemen and servicewomen have died in a war that he initiated and can’t seem to stop. Are we “tired of winning”? Absolutely not.
The solution to the fundamental problem is to stop Trump’s self-serving lies and manipulations. The way to do this is through free and fair elections, through the rule of law, and through carefully considered, evidence-based policymaking aimed at securing a better world for us, and for our descendants. We believe our nation’s strength comes from honoring our democratic principles, respecting our allies, treating all people with dignity, and governing with honesty and accountability. We expect our leaders to uphold those values.
Join SanDiego350 in standing up for democracy.
Act now:
- Have discussions with your family and friends about the urgency and direness of the situation. Remember and remind people you know that our elections are secure.
- Contact your Congressional representative, Senators, your State Legislators, and urge them to oppose the SAVE Act (or any of its variations) and to put in place policies to further protect and strengthen our democratic process.
Use this script to call your Congressperson.
“Hello my name is ___ and I am a constituent of Congressperson ____. My zip code is ___. Please oppose the SAVE act and any of its variations and stand up to Trump’s anti-voter actions. Thank you.”
Darrell Issa (R) District 48: (202) 225-5672
Mike Levin (D) District 49: (202) 225-3906
Scott Peters (D) District 50: (202) 225-0508
Sara Jacobs (D) District 51: (202) 225-2040
Juan Vargas (D) District 52: (202) 225-8045
Find your representative here.