John, I am about to talk in-depth about the final step on the road to autocracy, but if you’re short on time, I have a quick ask: We are working to elect the candidates and support the organizations that are doing the democracy-saving work we need now. Will you chip in today to support Speak Up PAC’s efforts to fight for our democracy? >>

John, this year I’ve embarked on my 10 Steps Campaign to spread the word about the roadmap Trump is using to inch his way to autocracy. And 2025 has proved fruitful for Trump - he has gotten through the first 9 steps of the 10 steps to autocracy.

But I am confident he can’t finish the job and reach the final step: Step 10: End Democracy Itself.

Trump and his Republican Party are trying to limit who can access the ballot box, all while keeping up the appearance of free elections. Under Step 10, the outcome of elections would be pre-ordained because they’ve taken steps to make it more difficult to vote and have that vote counted through anti-voter laws and other efforts to undermine free and fair elections. However, they would still point to elections as justification for their continued rule.

But there is still hope - as long as there are voters willing to persist against barriers, organizers who find new ways to reach eligible voters, and communities determined to show up for one another, democracy isn’t over. The ballot box is both a mechanism and a promise — and keeping it alive is the ultimate act of resistance.

Speak Up PAC has worked with organizations across the country that are committed to protecting access to the ballot box and resisting Republican voter suppression. Step 10 is not inevitable - and if anything, states like Georgia that have endured voter suppression show that, so long as we continue to show up, Trump and his cronies will not succeed.

We are gearing up for the fight ahead - the 2026 Midterm Elections - but we need more resources than ever before to combat Republican voter suppression, election manipulation, and far-right misinformation.

We set a bold goal to raise $400,000 before the end of the year, but we will need a lot of help to get there. If you believe we have to fight for our democracy, will you chip in today to help Speak Up PAC build its warchest for 2026? >>

In solidarity,
Stacey