A former U.S. diplomat who observed elections in Afghanistan, Haiti, Guatemala, and Colombia explains why the warning signs she’s spent a lifetime recognizing now feel uncomfortably familiar.
Your essay is not only well-researched, but frightening, because it is so easy to see perfect parallels to what is right now happening in the US, and so easy to foresee an absence of martyrs for democracy (well, except in Minneapolis) gliding somnambulantly into the “Utopia” envisioned by the authors of Project 2025.
Thanks very much, Walt. Ms. Pfortzheimer's analysis is truly insightful in terms of her professional experience. The historical backdrop, I think, is another kind of warning for folks who are inclined to say, 'it can't happen here,' when the 'it' is happening before their very eyes.
I have been working the polls in Virginia since retiring from the National War College back in 2016 and have worked in the office of elections operations division helping to develop and deliver training to new election officers, chiefs, and assistant chiefs as a part time seasonal job over the past three years - it is indeed an important role for citizens to consider being a part of and I share your feelings during Election Day - great to read our work here - Bob “Cactus” Colella - NWC 2006
A cautionary essay from an expert who has witnessed foreign election "captures" by fraudulent, deceitful and illegal means. It's now happening here, but it's not too late to for us engage in saving the 2026 election. Annie's essay outlines some of the "how." Thank you Annie for this timely reminder:
"Elections are not only stolen on the day of voting; it takes preparation to derail them. Let’s start now to protect the vote. Non-profit organizations are on the job tracking, researching, and helping with key legal challenges and practical issues. Here are a few important players (not an exhaustive list!)
What should people do if on Election Day ICE are at the polling place? What is the plan for that?
I publish this statement as political speech criticizing a government official’s public conduct, protected at the core of the First Amendment. This publication conveys criticism, opinion, and rhetorical hyperbole alone and neither threatens nor encourages unlawful conduct. Watts v. United States distinguishes protected political hyperbole from a true threat, while Counterman v. Colorado requires proof that a speaker consciously disregarded a substantial risk that the statement would be understood as threatening. No such intent or conscious disregard exists. I invoke my rights under the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments.
Yes, it is difficult to accept that the USA is being allowed to become a banana republic. One of those. " shit-hole" countries the orange helium balloon loves so much!!
To investigate how difficult it is to register to vote, please start by investigating how difficult it is to get a state ID card or Drivers' License. The obstacles in those offices vary widely by locale, some requiring obscure documents and long waiting periods, and the state issued ID is required to register to vote, and is further followed by the voter registration process, itself, which makes your home and phone number welcome to any "political" campaign for constant calls.
The system rewards apathy.
Ask us how hard it is to find out about the local measures and the nonpartisan races.
What happened to the voter information pamphlets that used to go to each voter? The printing deadline for the VI Pamphlets was the reason for the deadline to announce a run for office, in the first place.
Normal voting decorum in the US died under Obama, who's racist Congress would not reconfirm the Voting Rights Act of 1964, that was so hard won. Mitch McConnell would not even call the question, even though it was celebrated regularly and already on the agenda.
Great post. Hopefully people will continue to work to protect our votes and judges keep shooting down what they are trying to do. Thank you Ann
An excellent perspective and one that events make an even more profound concern by the day. Some complementary thoughts on history that only reinforce a view of the dangers ahead. Keep up the good work. https://kentmharrington.substack.com/p/the-last-election-then-and-now
Your essay is not only well-researched, but frightening, because it is so easy to see perfect parallels to what is right now happening in the US, and so easy to foresee an absence of martyrs for democracy (well, except in Minneapolis) gliding somnambulantly into the “Utopia” envisioned by the authors of Project 2025.
Thanks very much, Walt. Ms. Pfortzheimer's analysis is truly insightful in terms of her professional experience. The historical backdrop, I think, is another kind of warning for folks who are inclined to say, 'it can't happen here,' when the 'it' is happening before their very eyes.
Superb essay - something every American should read before the coming mid-terms.
Thank You Annie,
I have been working the polls in Virginia since retiring from the National War College back in 2016 and have worked in the office of elections operations division helping to develop and deliver training to new election officers, chiefs, and assistant chiefs as a part time seasonal job over the past three years - it is indeed an important role for citizens to consider being a part of and I share your feelings during Election Day - great to read our work here - Bob “Cactus” Colella - NWC 2006
Inspiring—-and appreciated.
A cautionary essay from an expert who has witnessed foreign election "captures" by fraudulent, deceitful and illegal means. It's now happening here, but it's not too late to for us engage in saving the 2026 election. Annie's essay outlines some of the "how." Thank you Annie for this timely reminder:
"Elections are not only stolen on the day of voting; it takes preparation to derail them. Let’s start now to protect the vote. Non-profit organizations are on the job tracking, researching, and helping with key legal challenges and practical issues. Here are a few important players (not an exhaustive list!)
American Civil Liberties Union
Brennan Center for Justice
Democracy Forward
Indivisible: Locally-directed voter protection campaigns
Indivisible’s Election Defense Corps
League of Women Voters
Protect Democracy
Please consider giving money, time, and public support to these groups, or others, to carry out this important work."
What should people do if on Election Day ICE are at the polling place? What is the plan for that?
I publish this statement as political speech criticizing a government official’s public conduct, protected at the core of the First Amendment. This publication conveys criticism, opinion, and rhetorical hyperbole alone and neither threatens nor encourages unlawful conduct. Watts v. United States distinguishes protected political hyperbole from a true threat, while Counterman v. Colorado requires proof that a speaker consciously disregarded a substantial risk that the statement would be understood as threatening. No such intent or conscious disregard exists. I invoke my rights under the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments.
Excellent piece.
May God bless you for writing this.
Thank you Annie!
Yes, it is difficult to accept that the USA is being allowed to become a banana republic. One of those. " shit-hole" countries the orange helium balloon loves so much!!
To investigate how difficult it is to register to vote, please start by investigating how difficult it is to get a state ID card or Drivers' License. The obstacles in those offices vary widely by locale, some requiring obscure documents and long waiting periods, and the state issued ID is required to register to vote, and is further followed by the voter registration process, itself, which makes your home and phone number welcome to any "political" campaign for constant calls.
The system rewards apathy.
Ask us how hard it is to find out about the local measures and the nonpartisan races.
What happened to the voter information pamphlets that used to go to each voter? The printing deadline for the VI Pamphlets was the reason for the deadline to announce a run for office, in the first place.
Normal voting decorum in the US died under Obama, who's racist Congress would not reconfirm the Voting Rights Act of 1964, that was so hard won. Mitch McConnell would not even call the question, even though it was celebrated regularly and already on the agenda.
That's just not a representative democracy.
Sorry you quit on us.
Not sure what that means? I retired after a 30-year career, and am not quitting on the US and its potential!