Democratic state election officials and attorneys general are increasing preparations aimed at limiting any possible federal interference in November’s midterm elections, amid President Donald Trump’s continued claims of election fraud and suggestions of meddling. The Guardian reports that coordination among Democratic state attorneys general, secretaries of state, and civic groups has intensified using weekly Zoom calls and in-person tabletop exercises to anticipate contingencies.
Separately, The Washington Post—reported in The New Republic and The Independent—describes federal officials with Department of Defense experience advising states quietly on steps to respond to potential efforts to disrupt election processes. The group’s stated goal is to help states prepare for close races where outcomes could affect control of Congress. It is described as working with election officials, governors, and congressional staffers across multiple states and briefing materials with media.
Across the outlets, the core story is consistent: preparation efforts at the state level, and additional behind-the-scenes federal advising, are framed as responses to concern about interference. Coverage varies in who is highlighted (state Democratic officials and civic groups versus a cross-state advisory group of former and current defense-experienced officials) and whether emphasis falls on planning methods, secrecy, or the risk to election integrity in tight contests.
