As President Donald Trump begins his second term, the 2024 election cycle has left a lasting impression on the nation. Marked by controversy, violence and widespread mistrust, the cycle revealed deep vulnerabilities in the U.S. democratic system. Among the most alarming events was the attempted assassination of Trump in Pennsylvania in July 2024. While he survived the attack, it underscored the urgent need to address security concerns surrounding elections — a problem that has been escalating for years — and this rise in political violence is not an isolated phenomenon, but part of a troubling trend.
The January 6, 2021 Capitol Riot, sparked by Trump supporters’ efforts to challenge the 2020 election results, set a dangerous precedent. Although nearly 1,600 people were charged for their involvement in the attack, the legal consequences have not deterred similar incidents. Between 2021 and 2023, the U.S. saw a steady stream of politically motivated violence, with 93 incidents in 2021, 79 in 2022 and 76 in 2023. The attempted assassination in 2024 is simply the latest and most visible symptom of an unstable political environment.
Widespread distrust in the electoral process has fueled this violence. Polls indicate that nearly 70% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents view Joe Biden’s 2020 victory as illegitimate. This distrust has fueled acts of extremism that range from the destruction of ballots to violent attacks on individuals. These acts of political violence have left voters deeply concerned about the safety of future elections. Four in ten registered voters now say they are “extremely” or “very” worried about post-election violence and efforts to undermine results.
Security concerns during elections are not limited to physical violence at events. The vulnerabilities extend to the infrastructure of the electoral system itself. Outdated and increasingly fragile voting equipment, along with the need for continuous funding to address these issues, leave the U.S. exposed to both physical tampering and cyberattacks. These weaknesses amplify voter skepticism about election integrity, creating a dangerous feedback loop that fuels further unrest. Investing in infrastructure is about more than modernization; it ensures fairness and accessibility for all voters. It also safeguards voters from threats like cybersecurity attacks, protecting both their engagement and the integrity of their decisions.
Election workers and officials also face growing threats, further jeopardizing electoral integrity. Election workers and volunteers, who play a vital role in upholding democracy, are increasingly at risk. Over 40% of state legislators and more than 18% of local officeholders reported receiving threats, with minority officials facing disproportionate targeting. This creates a chilling effect, discouraging qualified individuals from serving and eroding the integrity of the electoral process. When election workers are threatened, democracy itself becomes the victim.
Technological advancements have added another layer of complexity to election security. The rise of generative AI has facilitated the spread of misinformation, eroding public trust in the electoral process. Imagine those who are genuinely concerned about the election — not just the results, but the entire process — and whether it truly upholds democracy and integrity. Now, they find themselves deceived and misled by AI-generated fake news, a technology originally designed for convenience and progress. This not only deepens distrust but also diminishes public engagement, ultimately further compromising the election.
Surveys showed that only 28% of Republicans and 60% of those identifying as Democrats expressed strong trust in the election results. This pervasive distrust continues to undermine confidence in election outcomes and poses a serious threat to the stability of democratic governance.
As federal and state election officials implement security measures, some critics argue these actions threaten autonomy and transparency, potentially introducing bias. This raises a critical debate: How much intervention is necessary to protect democracy without undermining its core principles? What is needed now is a level of involvement that protects democracy and integrity without compromising the neutrality and accountability of the electoral process.
The goal is not to assign blame but to learn from these experiences and take meaningful action. Securing elections is about more than safeguarding ballots or protecting candidates—it is about preserving the trust and confidence of every citizen. Without this trust, democracy cannot function. The lessons of 2024 are clear: the U.S. must act decisively to ensure that elections are safe, secure and trusted by all. Anything less risks further erosion of the democratic principles upon which the nation was built.
Acknowledgement: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the respective author.
