Early Voting Begins In Texas For First Primary Of 2022 U.S. Midterm Elections
Early Voting Begins In Texas For First Primary Of 2022 U.S. Midterm Elections

The 2022 midterm elections are 12 days away, but there is growing concern over the possible outcome. Over 100 lawsuits have been filed this year concerning the Nov. 8 elections, targeting multiple aspects of the voting process -- from early and mail-in voting rules to voting machines and voter registration.

The Associated Press reports that the number of cases is the most litigation filed before a U.S. election. Litigation is being pursued in state and federal courts, potentially affecting the midterms and 2024 presidential elections.

Lawsuits being filed before an election is not a new phenomenon, but the sheer quantity of them is cause for alarm. Legal action questioning the validity of U.S. elections started immediately following President Joe Biden's win in the 2020 election.

Former President Donald Trump and his supporters began a campaign of sowing doubt into the process, falsely claiming the election was stolen and demanding the results be overturned. Legal action was taken in six states, but the election was certified and recounts showed Biden was the winner.

Lawsuits for this election cycle are proving more formidable and less reactionary. Suits are more well-organized, well-funded, and well-supported, with the Republican National Committee and other legal allies backing up cases and supporting litigation.

Trump has supported GOP candidates who deny the results of the 2020 election. Keri Lake, a governor candidate in Arizona, has called the Biden administration "illegitimate" and said she would only accept the election results if she wins. Three congressional candidates were at the Capital during the Jan. 6 insurrection supporting the falsehood that the election was stolen.

The majority of the lawsuits have been filed by Republicans. The RNC has filed 73 lawsuits in 20 states before the midterm elections. Democrat-led groups have filed around 35 lawsuits focused on voter access and making voting more accessible.

Lawsuits and litigation are only expected to increase leading up to and following the election, with concern that some Republican candidates will not accept the election results if they lose. Poll workers are already preparing for recounts.

Some poll workers have received harassment and threats. A national survey of U.S. poll workers showed that only one in five say they are somewhat or very likely to stay in their positions through the 2024 election cycle.

Poll workers wait to sign in voters for the Pennsylvania primary elections, at a polling place in the Gloria Dei Old Swedes Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., May 17, 2022.
Poll workers wait to sign in voters for the Pennsylvania primary elections, at a polling place in the Gloria Dei Old Swedes Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., May 17, 2022. Reuters / RACHEL WISNIEWSKI

A recent Reuters poll found that two in five U.S. voters are concerned about voter intimidation. The Department of Justice released a statement on Wednesday highlighting efforts to protect the right to vote, prosecute election fraud and pursue fair elections.

In Arizona, vigilantes are watching ballot boxes with cameras, recording people who drop off their ballots and taking photos of them and their license plates. The Arizona chapter of the League of Women Voters filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday about groups of people coordinating intimidation tactics.