2022 midterms: Democracy wins again

11/18/2022 11:51 am ET • Dara Brewton

Screenshot / Charlotte Observer

Since false claims were made about the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, the security of the election process has been a hot topic of debate. Shameless claims about widespread voter fraud often target minority voters, specifically Latino and Black voters.

Despite the talk, voter fraud in the U.S. is extremely rare as the process is protected by strong checks every step of the way.

The authentication and ballot counting process can vary depending on how the vote was cast: in person or by mail. Some states allow for pre-processing of absentee and mail-in ballots, while others wait until election night to start tallying.

But no matter where or how you voted in 2022, you can be sure that there were multiple security layers in place to verify the accuracy of your ballot. The election was safe and secure.

Doubts seeded in 2020 proved false

Back in 2020, the conversation of fraud swirled through social media, was parroted on some news programs, and was batted around at the family dinner table. Despite all the talk, the experts proved that it was one of America’s most secure elections to date — even with record voters making their way to the polls.

“There is no evidence that any voting system deleted or lost votes, changed votes, or was in any way compromised,” Joint Statement by CISA, the Election Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council (GCC), and the Election Infrastructure Sector Coordinating Council (SCC), November 12, 2020.

In 2022, secure elections ensure democracy

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Once again, there was record voter turnout, applying pressure to our election system, and once again, they held up to the strain. The 2022 midterms were free and fair. While there were a few glitches, voters were able to cast their ballots.

Attempts at voter intimidation in Arizona were met by well-trained officials and effectively thwarted. When computers went out in Detroit, paper ballots were offered and voters carried on.

The Civil Rights division of the Justice Department monitored the field on election day to ensure the right to vote was protected and federal statutes were followed.

They ensured election practices did not discriminate against voters regardless of race, color, or language minority status.

Election deniers were denied

While election deniers attempted to gain control of the election process by running for office in battleground states — American voters had other plans.

Election deniers did poorly across the country, proving that America has faith in its election process.

The election isn’t quite over yet

For those who live in Georgia, the midterms aren’t over yet. Because no candidate was able to acquire a majority, there will be a runoff election on December 6 for a senate seat. Voters will need to head back to the polls and opt for either the incumbent, Senator Raphael Warnock, or the challenger, Herschel Walker.

Voters must be registered by November 7 to vote in the runoff, and they have until November 28 to request an absentee ballot. Early voting also starts on the 28th, and election day will be on December 6.

Something to watch: Moore v. Harper

Election integrity is needed to maintain our democracy, and the U.S. Supreme Court will make a decision that could put that integrity in jeopardy.

North Carolina politicians brought forth a case, Moore v. Harper, that would give state legislatures complete power of elections WITHOUT judicial oversight. They want to eliminate the checks and balances that were built into our democracy to keep our elections fair for everyone.

Learn more about what’s going on, why it’s important, and what you can do to help: