We are in a crisis of Democracy! To quote Lincoln on the foundation of our nation, "we are... testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure.” Roughly 300 election deniers are on the ballot in 48 of 50 states (53% of all Republican candidates for national and statewide office). Next year, the 6-3 Republican US Supreme Court is expected to rule on a North Carolina case protecting the right of State Supreme Courts to rule on election matters versus throwing the decision to state legislatures. A ruling in favor of legislatures would allow them more control over federal elections, raising the possibility of more challenges to election outcomes. Republicans control a large majority of state legislatures (30). The holding of elections could soon become a matter of who controls the mechanism rather than what a majority of Americans want. I have introduced myself to thousands of people during almost a half year of campaigning. “I’m all set,” is the stock response of Republican voters. “Thank you for running," is the Democratic response, “we’re terrified.” Let us hope that is enough to carry the day. Connecticut is a firewall against the battering of American Democracy. Your vote for Democrat Stephanie Thomas for Secretary of the State is a brick in that firewall. It is extremely important that people who respect the integrity of the 2020 election get to the polls on November 8th to vote for like candidates up and down the ballot. Election deniers and others who choose to raise doubts or stay silent are legion, including in our district towns. My opponent for the district House seat has not publicly renounced the big lie of a stolen 2020 election. This is likely one reason she will not participate in the debate proposed by the non-partisan League of Women Voters: I would ask that question. Another reason to vote in the mid-terms in ’22 is to support the Early Voting Amendment, a question on the ballot: “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting?” Connecticut is one of only four other states which restrict voting to a single day. Voting should be convenient as not everyone can find the time or the means to vote under current law. Early voting is especially needed given the grave threat to our core democratic institution in 2024, the right of every citizen to cast a vote and have it counted.