Democrats are increasing efforts to protect the integrity of the 2026 midterm elections amid concerns that the Trump administration might attempt to influence the results.

Last week, Senate Democrats urged the administration to preserve all midterm-related records, citing fears that President Trump could tamper with voting outcomes. They also launched a program to train congressional staff as election observers to guard against potential interference this fall.

Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) stated there is “no question” that Trump will try to interfere in the election. Meanwhile, Trump has promoted the Monday the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, which would require voters to show proof of citizenship and photo ID. He described the bill as “more important than ever.”

However, Democrats oppose the legislation, arguing it would disenfranchise some voters lacking the required documentation. The bill has passed the Republican-led House three times but faces challenges in the GOP-controlled Senate, where 60 votes are needed to overcome procedural obstacles.

Richard Hasen, an election law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, criticized the notion that elections need protection from the federal government, saying it reflects a deterioration of democracy. He added that historically, there has been no concern about federal interference in free and fair elections regardless of the party in power.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Mark Warner (Va.) sent a letter to Trump administration officials addressing reports of potentially improper or illegal actions taken under the guise of election security. They expressed “serious concerns about ongoing efforts by this Administration to undermine the integrity of and actively interfere with the 2026 elections.”

The senators also expressed deep concern over cuts to election security programs at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the FBI.

Michael Hanmer, a University of Maryland political science professor specializing in voting and elections, noted that it is unsurprising to see Democrats proactively ramping up efforts as the primary season progresses and the general election approaches.

Sources