Will Republicans ever stop crying voter fraud?


If you want to get a sense of former President Donald Trump's continued influence in the Republican Party, just look to the gubernatorial recall election in California. Such elections are always dicey for an incumbent — just ask Gray Davis — but recent indications are that Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) stands a pretty good shot of keeping his office.
Here's the Trumpist part: Republicans are starting to suggest (without evidence, of course) that a Newsom win couldn't possibly be legitimate.
"The only thing that will save Gavin Newsom is voter fraud, so as they say: Stay woke," Fox News host Tomi Lahren said on Tuesday. "Pay attention to the voter fraud going on in California because it's going to have big consequences not only for that state but for upcoming elections." Meanwhile, the state GOP has created an "election integrity" website where voters can report their suspicions.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Such efforts aren't contained to California. Over in Nevada, AP reports that GOP Senate hopeful Adam Laxalt — the son and grandson of former U.S. senators — is already "raising fears of voter fraud" in his challenge to Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto in next year's midterm elections.
The plan is to "file lawsuits early, if there are lawsuits we can file to try to tighten up the election," Laxalt told a conservative radio host last month. He has some experience in such matters — he chaired Trump's 2020 Nevada campaign, which filed lawsuits contesting Biden's win in the state.
Republican-controlled state legislatures have spent the months since 2020 tightening voting laws in an apparent effort to cut down on Democratic advantages at the voting booth. That, of course, is the continuation of a years-long effort. What is increasingly clear, though, is that GOP candidates are also prepared to adopt Trump's backup plan — to generate confusion and doubt among voters whenever Democrats do win close races. The message: Republican candidates can never, ever lose a fair election.
That message would be wrong. But it would do additional damage to American democracy, which depends on voters' belief that elections are fair and legitimate. For now, though, it seems the Republican Party has decided its best electoral bet is to double down on its "boy who cried wolf" strategy.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Joel Mathis is a writer with 30 years of newspaper and online journalism experience. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic and The Kansas City Star. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.
-
June 28 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Saturday's political cartoons include stupid wars, a critical media, and mask standards
-
Thai fish pie with crispy turmeric potatoes recipe
The Week Recommends Tasty twist on the Lancashire hot pot is given a golden glow
-
Palestine Action: protesters or terrorists?
Talking Point Damaging RAF equipment at Brize Norton blurs line between activism and sabotage, but proscription is a drastic step
-
How Zohran Mamdani's NYC mayoral run will change the Democratic Party
Talking Points The candidate poses a challenge to the party's 'dinosaur wing'
-
Is Trump's military parade 'just a parade'?
Talking Point Critics see an 'echo of authoritarianism'
-
Is Trump's LA troop deployment about order or authoritarianism?
Talking Points President: 'We're going to have troops everywhere.'
-
Musk: What did he achieve in Washington?
Feature Elon Musk leaves his government job but not after bruising his image, slashing aid and firing thousands
-
GOP megabill would limit judicial oversight of Trump
speed read The domestic policy bill Republicans pushed through the House would protect the Trump administration from the consequences of violating court orders
-
Medicaid: Will millions lose coverage?
Feature House Republicans have proposed a plan to cut Medicaid coverage for millions to help fund the GOP's tax cuts
-
A running list of Trump's conflicts of interest
In Depth A potential Qatari plane is the latest in a series of problematic connections
-
Is Trump trying to take over Congress?
Talking Points Separation of powers at stake in Library of Congress fight