Democracy and Elections in 2028
Election integrity, voting access, campaign finance, and the health of democratic institutions.
The aftermath of the 2020 election and the events of January 6, 2021 intensified already deep divisions over the integrity of American elections. Republicans and Democrats hold sharply divergent views on both the facts of recent elections and the proper rules governing voting, vote-counting, and election administration.
Voting access - including voter ID requirements, early voting, mail-in balloting, and registration rules - is contested at the state level, with both parties arguing the stakes for democracy are high. Campaign finance rules, the influence of money in politics, and the independence of election administrators have also become contentious.
Broader concerns about democratic backsliding, the independence of courts and agencies, and the peaceful transfer of power were raised explicitly in the 2024 cycle and may carry into 2028 depending on how events unfold.
Why it matters in 2028
For many voters, 2028 is as much a referendum on the condition of American democracy as it is on any specific policy. Candidates' positions on election rules, acceptance of results, and the proper role of different branches of government will be closely watched by voters who view these issues as foundational.
How each party frames democracy and elections
A neutral summary of each party's general governing approach. Individual 2028 candidates will differ - no nominee has been chosen yet.
Democratic approach
Democrats broadly emphasize expanding access to voting - through automatic registration, expanded early and mail-in voting, and opposition to voter ID requirements they characterize as suppressive - and protecting election administrators and institutions from political pressure. Many in the party prioritize campaign finance reform to reduce the influence of large donors. Democrats frequently frame election integrity concerns raised by Republicans as pretextual efforts to restrict voting.
Republican approach
Republicans broadly emphasize election security measures - including voter ID, stricter rules on mail-in balloting, and tighter voter roll maintenance - arguing these are necessary to maintain public confidence in elections. Many in the party support reducing the influence of federal agencies and courts in state election administration. There is a significant range within the party on how to characterize the 2020 election and the events of January 6.
What voters ask about democracy and elections
- Do candidates believe the 2020 election was free and fair?
- Would candidates support federal voting rights legislation?
- What should be required to prove your identity when voting?
- How should campaign finance laws be changed?
- What would candidates do to ensure a peaceful transfer of power in future elections?
Other 2028 issues
How 2028 candidates plan to manage economic growth, consumer prices, and the cost of living.
Border enforcement, legal immigration pathways, and the future of undocumented immigrants already in the U.S.
Federal and state abortion policy after the Supreme Court returned the issue to state legislatures in 2022.
Health insurance coverage, drug prices, and the long-running debate over the structure of the American health system.
Federal tax policy, including the expiring provisions of the 2017 tax law and disputes over who pays what.
Employment levels, minimum wage, union rights, and the future of work in an era of automation and AI.