36: Voter Fraud Myths & Voting Rights Threats (2026 Midterms Update) with Anna Chu
Early voting is already underway, and along with it comes the reemergence of age-old election-integrity claims. Let's be 100% clear: there was no systemic voter fraud in 2020.
But these claims aren’t from a new playbook.
"Ballot integrity" campaigns, fraud accusations, and even people saying they were entitled to take over because the elected government wasn't "fit to run" have been around almost as long as the premise that our nation was founded on (that voters have the right to choose their leaders). And yet every decade brings a new challenge to voting rights, culminating in SCOTUS gutting the 1965 Voting Rights Act in the last decade or so.
None of what’s happening is really new; yet there are new developments that mean turnout and vigilance matter now, more than ever.
These include:
The USPS mail-ballot rule that, thank goodness, the Supreme Court refused to let take effect
The Justice Department’s demands for unredacted state voter rolls, and data sharing with Department of Homeland Security - though elections fall under the purview of states, not the federal government
The mid-decade redistricting fights that are still working their way through the courts, mere weeks before the elections
Civil rights groups' warnings about new ID requirements, mail-voting limits, and federal agents near polling places
The courts have mostly held the line so far. But who knows what’s yet to come. That’s why we recommend voting, voting early, and doing the following:
Know your rights. Intimidation of voters at the polls by federal agents, military, or law enforcement is illegal.
And know what you can do: volunteer as an election protection volunteer or poll worker, organize a friend voting group text or "voting party," and call your representatives.
As a bonus, we’re thrilled to include a hope-giving conversation with Anna Chu, Executive Director, We The Action, who offers really easy ways for lawyers and non-lawyers alike to hold the line and make a difference this election cycle, with whatever small amount of time you have to volunteer.
About Anna Chu:
Anna Chu is the Executive Director of We The Action. For more than 20 years, Anna has worked in the legal, policy, political, and advocacy communities, helping confirm fair judges to the federal bench, advancing gender equity, advocating for economic justice, and protecting civil rights. Anna is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley and the University of Southern California Law School and was formerly an associate at Paul Hastings LLP.
Referenced episodes:
Colin Seale (critical thinking) and Ad Fontes Media (media bias)
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