In Philadelphia, the very birthplace of American democracy, sits a huge sign with a blunt message: “Vote – everything is at stake.”
As Americans cast their ballots for the U.S. midterm elections, with Democrats at risk of losing control in Congress, CTV National News spoke to some voters who say those “stakes” could hardly be higher.
“Everything [is at stake],” said Tom, who asked CTV National News to protect his identity. “The constitution in the country, rights, not just for women but men. It is just everything.”
He says he voted early because he is concerned about how the election process could unfold at polling stations.
“I don’t want to deal with any yelling, any screaming, any people at voting booths carrying guns.”
In what was billed as a major speech this week, U.S. President Joe Biden called the midterm elections a pivotal test of American democracy.
He condemned political violence, including the attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, at their home in San Francisco.
Biden also slammed so-called election deniers, who continue to say the current U.S. president did not win the 2020 presidency against Donald Trump. Biden put the blame for that squarely on Trump.
“American democracy is under attack because the defeated former president of the United States refuses to accept the results of the 2020 election,” said the U.S president.
Biden warned Americans that political violence and intimidation at the polls is eroding U.S. democracy.
“We don’t settle our differences in America with a riot, a mob or a bullet or a hammer. We settle them peacefully at the ballot box.”
The concern by many is that the so-called election deniers have not ruled out wrongly overturning election results in future, for example, if they don’t like the outcome or result. It’s a fear casting doubt on the integrity of future U.S. elections, says one U.S. political sociologist.
“I think it is an extremely consequential moment for American democracy,” Larry Diamond told CTV National News. “It’s being tested in a way that it has not been tested since the 1860s and the civil war. “
Bill Kristol, a life-long Republican until the rise of Trump, is part of a conservative movement which pumps millions of dollars into political advertising aimed at defeating election denying candidates.
“What is the future of this country if we go down the path we’re going down?” he told CTV National News. “I’m a little shocked and distressed that there’s not a more robust repudiation of them. “
Some polls suggest it is the economy, inflation, the cost of groceries and gas that will drive voters to the polls, perhaps giving Republicans the edge electorally in some key battleground states.
North of the border, even Canadians worry U.S. democracy may be on the brink.
Toronto author and political analyst Stephen Marche, who wrote ‘The Next Civil War: Dispatches From The American Future’ suggests political polarization in the U.S. has poisoned its political system.
“There could be a raft of people who basically will not accept electoral outcomes,” March told CTV National News. “It’s a toxic stew that’s really going to have terrible consequences for not just America, but the world.”
All of this is a sobering reminder that these midterm elections are a crucial moment for America, with the U.S. president asking voters to think about that when they head to the polls on Nov. 8.
With files from The Associated Press.
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New data raises questions about the drinks people consume and the potential risks associated with them, according to researchers at Galway University in Ireland, in partnership with Hamilton’s McMaster University.
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
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Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
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New data raises questions about the drinks people consume and the potential risks associated with them, according to researchers at Galway University in Ireland, in partnership with Hamilton’s McMaster University.
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because high levels could pose a risk to the intellectual development of children.
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Scientists announced on Thursday a milestone in neurobiological research with the mapping of the entire brain of an adult fruit fly, a feat that may provide insight into brains across the animal kingdom, including people.
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The jury tasked with determining if Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard sexually assaulted a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago began deliberating Friday after nearly two weeks of testimony that saw the singer and his accuser give starkly different accounts of what happened.
TikToks of customers stuffing their faces with a US$20 endless shrimp. More than 100 restaurant closures and thousands of layoffs. A revolving door of CEOs. Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Brazil's Supreme Court said on Friday that lawyers representing social media platform X did not pay pending fines to the right bank, postponing its decision on whether to allow the tech firm to resume services in Brazil.
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What does New Westminster's təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre have in common with a historic 68,000-seat stadium in Beijing, an NFL stadium and the aquatics venue for the Paris Olympics? They've all been named among the world's most beautiful sports venues for 2024.
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The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation hosted a virtual election forum on education Thursday evening, giving candidates in the provincial election a chance to share their thoughts and answer questions on issues teachers find most important.
A Saskatchewan man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after he unknowingly provided disturbing videos to an FBI agent he thought was a pedophile.
Saskatoon police arrested a homeless person at the scene of an encampment underneath the University Bridge on Friday morning.
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
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In case you missed it, ۴ý London has gathered all of the top local stories from this week into one video for your convenience.
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The Ministry of Labour is investigating a workplace incident that claimed the lives of two people in Georgian Bluffs, south of Owen Sound.
Provincial police are investigating a collision along Highway 400 in Tay Township Friday afternoon.
In case you missed it, ۴ý Windsor has compiled all of the top local stories from this week into one video.
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To enhance inclusivity at Lethbridge Polytechnic, the institution has launched a new accessibility micro-credential.
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He may not have logged the fastest time or even gone the full distance, but residents of a Newfoundland town agree the goat who unexpectedly joined the local weekend half marathon was the event's undisputed champion.
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