By Jessie Stein, Member of the Stand Up for Democracy Campaign
The right to vote is one of democracy’s most essential institutions, and Americans are being asked to defend it in new ways. Escalating political attacks on election systems and voting access have the potential to create a chilling effect that discourages eligible voters from participating altogether, but we still have incredible power to influence electoral outcomes if we encourage our community to participate.
During the 2024 general election, only 75.8% of registered voters cast ballots in San Diego County, the lowest for a presidential election in 20 years. This percentage dropped to 54.2% for the 2022 midterm election, and just 34.9% in the 2022 statewide primary. As San Diegans prepare to vote in the June 2nd primary and 2026 midterm elections, it is more important than ever to understand and respond to current threats to voting.
As you mark your ballots, drop them off, and follow the election season, we want you to be aware of and prepared to address these challenges:
Threats to Voting by Mail
During the special election for Prop 50 in November of last year, the number of ballots rejected for being late quadrupled from the general election the year before. According to Democracy Docket, this is at least partly due to changes in the way USPS picks up mail, meaning that ballots mailed in on election day may not make it in time to be counted. Now, additional changes from USPS mean some mail will not be postmarked the day it is picked up at all.
Mail voting is under additional pressure from the Trump administration, which has signed executive orders aimed at effectively eliminating the option, championed legislation to make it harder or unsafe, and supported a landmark case before the Supreme Court designed to further hamper access.
Action Step: Vote using ballot drop-boxes or in-person after May 22nd.
Misinformation:
In an age where people are increasingly looking to social media for news (more than half of people reported getting at least some news from social media, according to Pew Research), the spread of false or misleading information about candidates, ballot measures, voting procedures, and election legitimacy is a rising concern. Rapid improvements in AI-generated visual and video content make it increasingly easy for bad actors to create and spread content that looks reputable, but isn’t.
Action Step: Visit the KPBS Voter Hub for unbiased information about local ballot measures and candidates.
Voter Suppression:
According to the Brennan Center for Justice, state legislatures enacted at least 32 restrictive voting laws in 2025, matching the previous record high, which was set in 2021. These laws have tightened rules regarding mail-in ballots, implemented stricter voter ID requirements, and shortened early voting periods. California, in contrast, is working to ensure voting access with expanded access to early voting and education on threats and how to vote.
Action Step: Volunteer with SanDiego350’s Stand Up for Democracy campaign.
Threats to Election Workers:
In the wake of the 2020 election denial movement, election officials and poll workers have increasingly been the targets of threats and harassment, including social media and text messages, stalking, and doxing.
Action Step: If you are dropping off your ballot in person, make eye contact, smile, and thank poll workers for their role in making voting streamlined, safe, and accessible. If you have a concern about a possible violation of California’s election code, you can report it to the California Secretary of State or email SanDiego350.
While there’s no doubt that we’re living in extreme circumstances, do not succumb to a feeling of helplessness. When it comes to elections, we have complete control over perhaps the most significant threat of all – our own inertia.
In his book “On Tyranny,” Timothy Snyder warns against obeying in advance when confronted with authoritarianism, and encourages readers to live as if we are free. Democracy depends on ordinary people continuing to opt in, even when cynicism and fear make disengagement feel easier. By being afraid that we have lost power and being complicit through inaction, we only cede more control.
Resistance begins with courageous individual action. But don’t just act, act together. Here are just a few ways you can encourage your family members, co-workers, and neighbors
- Talk with others about the importance of voting and protecting democratic institutions. See SD350’s Voter Outreach Toolkit for some easy talking points.
- Go to vote with your neighbors, or drop off your ballots together.
- Volunteer with SanDiego350’s Stand Up for Democracy campaign.
Let’s loudly and confidently affirm our collective commitment to showing up.