In today’s world, the concept of democracy is under siege like never before (“like no one has ever seen before in the history of our country” —Trump). With the rise of authoritarian regimesAl over the world, it’s important that average citizens understand how to protect democracy by actively participating in preserving our democratic values.
In this post, we will explore 5 practical steps individuals can take to safeguard democracy from the creeping menace of authoritarianism. By staying informed, getting involved in local politics, advocating for voting rights, building community resilience, and learning from global examples, we can collectively fortify the foundations of democracy in America.
Why Democracy Matters
Democracy is more than just a system of governance; it is a reflection of the values we hold as a society. It promotes individual freedoms, ensures accountability, and creates a culture of participation among citizens. When democracy thrives, it paves the way for social equity, economic opportunity, and respect for the rule of law.
These pillars are essential for a stable and just society. However, when these values are eroded, the consequences can be severe, including the loss of civil rights, increased corruption, and the marginalization of vulnerable populations.
Trump’s order on gender-affirming care escalates reversal of trans rightsNote that we’re already seeing these things happen in the Trump Administration; Mahmoud Kahlil arrested for political speech, the removal of protections for members of the LGBTQ+ Community, attacks on DEI—labeling every woman or person of color a “DEI hire,” and the executive orders banning transgender people from fighting for their country.
The Rising Threat of Authoritarianism
Over the past few years, we have witnessed a significant rise in authoritarianism across the globe. This shift has been marked by the erosion of democratic institutions, suppression of dissent, and manipulation of electoral processes.
Whether it’s through misinformation campaigns, restrictive laws, or outright violence against opposition, authoritarian leaders often exploit societal fears to consolidate power. We saw that during the Trump campaign when he continuously fearmongered about immigrants and an “open border.”Understanding this is required for mobilizing efforts to combat these trends and protect democratic values.
1. Stay Informed and Educated
Importance of Reliable News Sources
The first step in safeguarding democracy is staying informed. However, not all information is created equal. The proliferation of news sources and social media has led to an overwhelming amount of information, which can sometimes be misleading. Seeking out reliable news sources—those that practice journalistic integrity and fact-checking—ensures that you are well-informed about current events and democratic processes.
Subscribing to reputable outlets, participating in community discussions, and using fact-checking websites, like PolitiFact, can help you discern fact from fiction. President Trump spoke to friendly employees of the Department of Justice yesterday where he listed media outlets he believes are guilty of illegal conduct (in reality they are simply reporting the truth about what is happening in our government).
His “hit list” included mainstream media outlets like; MSNBC, ABC, and CBS. The FCC has already launched investigations into PBS and NPR as the President’s requested, using the fact that they receive federal funding as a backdrop for the probes.
Independent media like news shows on YouTube and networks like TYT and MeidasTouch have been calling out anti-democratic actions, with TYT doing it for more than two decades. MeidasTouch is a newer movement that has been called a “pro-democracy” movement with members from all political parties coming together to fight authoritarianism. These efforts are important after the erosion of trust Donald Trump caused by launching his “fake news” campaign against the media in 2015.
Engaging with Different Perspectives
In addition to consuming reliable news, it’s equally important to engage with diverse perspectives. Understanding differing viewpoints can foster empathy and strengthen democratic discourse. Participating in community forums, reading opinion pieces from a variety of authors, and attending debates can help bridge ideological divides. The willingness to listen and engage can lead to more constructive conversations about democratic values and policies.
Part of the effort to fight back against President Trump and authoritarianism has been some notable online media figures from the left reaching out to speak with voters on the right. Trump will never care what Democrats have to say, but he has been responsive to his base in the past. By working together with those voters on things we agree on, there’s a hope that his voters will be able to move the President in a positive direction, and away from fascist policies and actions.
2. Get Involved in Local Politics
Attend Town Hall Meetings
Local politics often have a direct impact on your community, making it essential for citizens to engage at this level. Attending town hall meetings provides a platform to voice concerns, ask questions, and understand the issues facing your city.
These meetings serve as a vital connection between elected officials and their constituents. A well-informed electorate can hold officials accountable and ensure that democratic principles are upheld on a grassroots level.
The reaction of constituents at Republican town halls has been all over the news for the last week or two. It shows how angry Republican voters are about Elon Musk’s firing of hundreds of thousands of federal workers—30% of which are veterans. 83,000 employees were cut from Veterans Affairs alone. Veterans crisis hotlines have been shuttered, and nurses and other medical staff at VA clinics and hospitals have been laid off.
It wasn’t that long ago when veterans were protesting in the streets for more staff at VA clinics and offices. They were experiencing long wait-times and a lack of assistance at the VA caused by a staff shortages. We corrected that issue only to now have President Trump and DOGE make it even worse.
Support Local Candidates Who Value Democracy
Getting involved also means supporting the candidates who prioritize democratic values: research local candidates’ platforms and track records on voting rights, civil liberties, and community engagement. All of these issues are important parts of a thriving democracy.
By volunteering for campaigns, donating, or simply spreading the word about these candidates, you can teach others how to protect democracy. By playing an essential role in promoting democratic leadership in your community, you are doing your part in fighting back.
Your voice and actions can help influence the political landscape in ways that fortify democratic values and combat the disinformation and gaslighting from bad actors in leadership positions.
3. Advocate for Voting Rights
Understanding Voter Suppression Tactics
Voting is a fundamental aspect of democracy, yet many citizens face barriers that inhibit their ability to cast their ballots. Understanding voter suppression tactics—such as strict ID laws, purging of voter rolls, and limited access to polling places—is important for advocating for fair elections. Educating yourself about these issues enables you to recognize injustice and mobilize efforts against disenfranchisement.
We saw an effort to destroy faith in our elections from the losing candidate in the 2020 election. Donald Trump attempted to subvert democracy by lying about fraud in the election, criticizing election officials and Secretaries of State who refused to take part in his effort to overturn the election results, and a “fake electors” scheme in swing states that he lost. The “fraud” he spoke of only took place in cities with majority Black populations like: Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Detroit. As we all know, the culmination of the “Big Lie” was the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
If anyone was unclear about whether Donald Trump wanted the Capitol riot to happen, his pardoning of every person convicted and sentenced for crimes they committed that day should tell you everything you need to know. The President, who often touts himself as a supporter of law enforcement, released many people who were convicted of violent assault for their attempts to murder Capitol police officers that day.
Ways to Support Fair Elections
There are numerous ways to advocate for voting rights. Joining organizations that work to protect and expand access to voting is one effective method. Volunteering as a poll worker, participating in voter registration drives, and spreading awareness about voting rights initiatives can significantly impact election outcomes. Each of these actions contributes to a more inclusive electoral process, ensuring that every voice is heard.
President Biden came into office in 2021 vowing to protect voting rights in the face of an assault by Republican legislatures all over the country. Georgia had some of the strictest voter suppression laws like the law against anyone who provides food and water to voters forced to stand in long lines as they waited to vote. The long lines were a result of reduced staff and voting machines in Black districts of Georgia. The public attempted to help those people by bringing them food and water after they’d been standing in line for 5 hours or longer.
The outcome Republicans hoped to achieve with long wait times was people leaving the line and never returning to cast their ballot. The public assisted voters and gave them bottles of water, which helped them remain in line. This ruined the GOP’s plan and that’s why Georgia enacted that strange, unnecessarily cruel law.
Regardless of what President Biden had promised, the Democrats never passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. The attempts to oppress votes in certain areas continue to this day. Republicans hadn’t been able to win elections by popular vote in the last two decades, so they resorted to stopping Americans from voting. Donald Trump was the first Republican in decades to win the popular vote. That only happened because the state of our economy wasn’tgreat and voters wanted a change in leadership to fix it (don’t need to mention how successful the current Administration has been in doing so).
4. Build Community Resilience
Forming Local Advocacy Groups
Democracy thrives when communities are active and engaged. Forming or joining local advocacy groups focused on democratic principles can create a strong network of support and action. These groups provide a space for like-minded individuals to collaborate on initiatives that promote democratic values, such as organizing community discussions, hosting educational workshops, and engaging with local government officials.
Search online for groups in your area that advocate for something you’re passionate about. If there aren’t any groups near you, volunteer for a national voting rights group. There are actions you can take virtually to help out; online letter or postcard-writing parties or SMS campaigns. Helping people register to vote is one of the most important things you can do.
In a country with 244,666,890 eligible voters, 156,336,693 cast their ballots in the 2024 presidential election. It’s the second highest turnout record in U.S. history after the 2020 election. Turnout in 2024 represented 63.9% of eligible voters, the second-highest percentage in the last 100 years, according to the University of Florida Election Lab. The 2020 election still holds the record for the highest turnout.
The reason for such a high turnout in the 2020 election was two-fold, in my opinion. Experts cite the option of mail-in voting as the cause and I definitely agree that it’s one of the reasons. To get more people to vote, simply make the process easier for them.
The second cause is anecdotal. If you’ve read my origin story, you know that I first registered to vote in 2019 and I cast my first ballot in the 2020 election. A large group of friends in their 20’s also voted for the first time in 2020. Getting rid of Donald Trump was a motivating factor for many first-time voters at the time. That’s why it was so confusing to see Trump win in 2024.
Encouraging Civil Discourse Among Neighbors
Encouraging civil discourse among neighbors is another way to strengthen community resilience. Creating an open environment where different viewpoints can be expressed respectfully can lead to a more informed and engaged citizenry. Organizing events like discussion panels or coffee talks can help foster this kind of dialogue, empowering community members to tackle challenging topics and find common ground.
If you see your neighbor outside, say hello! Don’t bring up politics the first time you speak to them, but if you’re already on friendly terms, it’s not such a “no-no” topic. Starting a local group that is concerned about the future of our democracy is an excellent way of getting members of all parties together on common ground. The pro-democracy movement involves people like Republicans Adam Kinzinger and Liz Cheney along with Democratic politicians. At the DNC last year, several Republicans spoke about the importance of the election and gave us suggestions on how to protect democracy.
5. Learn from Global Examples
Countries that Successfully Protected Democracy
Studying countries that have successfully protected democracy can provide valuable insights for our own efforts. Nations like Germany, which have learned from past authoritarian regimes, have implemented strong legal frameworks and public policies to safeguard democratic institutions. These countries prioritize civic education and promote active citizenship, demonstrating the importance of vigilance in protecting democracy.
Lessons from Nations that Failed
Conversely, understanding the failures of nations that have succumbed to authoritarianism can be equally instructive. Countries like Venezuela and Hungary show us how the gradual erosion of democratic practices can lead to significant power imbalances and civil rights abuses. Analyzing these cases allows us to use a proactive approach to resist similar trends, reinforcing the importance of protecting democratic institutions before they are compromised.
Hungary’s story of how Viktor Orbán came to be dictator is eerily similar to our current situation. Orbán was elected President but lost re-election. He was later democratically elected for a second term and has remained in power for over a decade since. When Donald Trump and Heritage Foundation leaders met with Viktor Orbán at Mar-a-Lago, I raised the alarm. In my mind, they were meeting so Orbán could teach them what steps he took to dismantle democracy in Hungary. Project 2025 includes the steps he took, and President Trump had begun to follow the playbook in his first term, but has done so at a much faster pace this time.
The fight to save democracy from authoritarianism is a collective effort that begins with each of us. By staying informed and educated, getting involved in local politics, advocating for voting rights, building community resilience, and learning from global examples, we can work together to protect the values we hold dear. The path may be challenging, but by taking these steps, we can contribute to a stronger, more resilient democracy that serves everyone.
FAQs
What are some signs of rising authoritarianism?
Common signs include the erosion of press freedom, suppression of dissent, manipulation of elections, and an increase in state surveillance. Being aware of these indicators can help citizens stay vigilant.
How can I find reliable news sources?
Look for established news organizations with a history of journalistic integrity. Pay attention to fact-checking labels and consider subscribing to reputable outlets. Engaging with multiple sources will provide a well-rounded view of current events.
Why is local politics important for democracy?
Local politics directly impacts your community. Engaging in local issues and supporting candidates who prioritize democratic values can lead to significant changes that reinforce democratic principles at the grassroots level.
What can I do to support voting rights?
Get involved with organizations focused on voting rights, volunteer as a poll worker, participate in voter registration drives, and advocate for fair voting practices to help ensure that all voices are heard in elections.
How can communities build resilience against authoritarianism?
Forming local advocacy groups and encouraging civil discourse among neighbors can create a supportive environment where democratic values are promoted and protected. Engaging in community discussions and initiatives fosters a sense of collective responsibility.
Gov-Politics
Human Rights
