Throughout this election year, we’ve heard a common refrain from the left that “democracy is on the ballot.” Beside the obvious flaw (we are a republic, not a democracy), I’ve struggled to follow the breadcrumbs of that narrative, until President Joe Biden stepped aside under pressure from party leaders.

It appears that the “democracy is at risk” message may have been simple projection, as the Democrat elite bided their time until after the primaries to replace Biden at the top of their ticket. After primaries across the nation, more than 3,900 delegates were in the Biden column, and just 37 were uncommitted. With a 36% approval rating in March, it is unlikely that Kamala Harris would have emerged the winner in a true Democratic primary. Now, millions of American voters have been sidelined in their own primary, and their candidate was chosen for them.

Now, as we approach the November elections, whether democracy itself is on the ballot is not merely rhetorical; it’s a pressing concern that should weigh heavily on the minds of all American voters, regardless of party. The Democratic Party is experiencing upheaval, without question. Now is a time to put aside party tribalism and do some real soul-searching.

Republicans went through a similar reckoning in 2016 and are still going through it, to a degree. The difference is, when Republican primary voters went off-script in 2016 with Donald Trump, it rattled the status quo and party elite, but it happened because Republican primary voters wanted it. Democratic primary voters were not given an option. Now they are being sold on a “nominee” they never chose in the first place. They deserve an explanation. Who saw this coming? Why was it hidden from primary voters and all Americans?

The integrity of our electoral process is paramount, and it starts long before the first ballot is cast. Voters have repeatedly called for common-sense measures to ensure that every vote is legitimate and that the sanctity of our elections is preserved. This includes voter ID laws, maintaining accurate voter rolls, and implementing robust measures to prevent fraud. Critics argue that these measures are restrictive, but they are essential to maintaining public confidence in our electoral process.

The ramifications of this year highlight the growing influence of unelected bureaucrats, consultants, and party leaders that should alarm every American committed to limited government and individual liberty.

Given the constitutional amendment proposals from the Biden administration to remake a US Supreme Court with which they disagree, the 2024 election could determine the future of the federal judiciary and issues ranging from the Second Amendment to free speech and religious liberty. Don’t get me wrong. I agree that there should be ethics controls, but those rules should apply to all members of Congress and the entire executive branch. Let’s see them propose that; the only sound will be crickets in the swamp.

Beyond the gamesmanship that seems to be defining the 2024 election, policy, regardless of party, should be at the center of our discussions. Core principles of our nation are at stake.

Economic freedom: The push for massive government spending, increased taxation, and burdensome regulations threatens the entrepreneurial spirit that drives American innovation and prosperity. A thriving economy is built on free markets, personal responsibility, and limited government intervention. We should demand policies that promote economic growth rather than those that stifle it.

Federalism: This key concept that allows states to serve as laboratories of good government is under assault. Do we want a one-size-fits-all approach dictated by the federal government or a system that respects states’ role of governing themselves according to their citizens’ wishes?

Free Speech: The suppression of dissenting voices, even within the same party, poses a direct threat to the free exchange of ideas, which is the lifeblood of America. This election is a crucial moment to push back against the creeping culture that seeks to limit what we can say, and for whom we can cast a vote.

The 2024 election is not just about choosing a president; it’s about choosing the direction of our country for generations to come.