PALM BEACH, Fla. - Veterans across the aisle are concerned about what they call recent attacks on democracy by far-right organizations.

On July 4th, a far-right military-led group called 1st Amendment Praetorian is holding what it calls a Coalition to Defend America event in Palm Beach.

Dan Barkhuff, a former Navy SEAL, is the president of Veterans for Responsible Leadership - a super PAC - and is a member of We the Veterans, a nonprofit advocacy group for democratic values that's launching on July 4th.

They want to counteract the draw of far-right groups to veterans who come home from service - such as the Oath Keepers, the extremist anti-government group that played a major role in storming the U.S. Capitol.

"These extremist organizations are providing something to these veterans," said Barkhuff. "Which is number one, a sense of belonging. And number two, kind of this camaraderie. So our goal is to redefine patriotism and to compete with these organizations in their own communities. "

He added they aim to show veterans there are other ways to find that sense of belonging.

A Homeland Security bulletin obtained by ABC News raises concerns about extremist violence as COVID restrictions ease and more mass gatherings occur.

George Black is a researcher and author of a recent report published in the Washington Spectator on the connections between the conspiracy theories that fueled the Capitol insurrection on January 6, and the grievances of right-wing military officers after the Vietnam War.

He said the events at the Capitol were just one part of a longer-term effort by far-right anti-government groups to gain political power.

"It's part and parcel with the movement to suppress voting rights in Republican-led states," said Black. "It's about replacing local officials who are in a position to certify or decertify future elections. It's very much with an eye on 2022 and taking Congress back."

Retired Navy Lieutenant Robert Pennoyer is a 96-year-old World War Two vet. He said the Constitution guarantees a bill of rights including freedom of speech and thought.

He said efforts to undermine democratic rights go against the values that he fought for.

"The disinformation is causing terrible harm," said Pennoyer. "Many of the people believe this stuff. And the attempt to suppress the vote is extremely dangerous and needs to be opposed."

Barkhuff added there's one thing that connects all veterans of military service.

"We took an oath to support and defend the Constitution," said Barkhuff. "It can't be to winners and losers of the game, it has to be to the rules of the game. Our oath of loyalty is to the Constitution."

CORRECTION: Dan Barkhuff is a member of We the Veterans. An earlier version incorrectly stated he was leader of the group. (4:30 p.m. MST, July 5, 2021)

Like polling from other battleground states, the race for the White House remains close in Wisconsin. But fresh numbers out this week show some momentum shifts. In early July, ARRP released survey results in Wisconsin following the debate between President Joe Biden and Republican nominee Donald Trump. At that point, Trump had a six-percentage point lead among voters 18 and up in the Badger State. Fast forward to September, and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris leads Trump by a single point for that same demographic in a new Wisconsin poll conducted after their debate. Pollster Bob Ward explains what specifically changed following the summer shakeup on the Democratic ticket.

"The movement among Independents, where Trump was ahead of Biden by five points two months ago, and now Harris is ahead by 11 points," he explained.

The single-point lead for Harris is for a head-to-head matchup question. It's slightly larger when factoring in third-party candidates. However, among Wisconsin voters 50 and older, Trump is ahead by two points. He also maintains more support among male voters around the state, while Harris is strongly backed by women in this latest poll.

The Biden administration has touted its efforts to reduce prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees, including price negotiations with drugmakers. There's been chatter among Republicans about rolling back those provisions. But Ward said based on the polling data, tinkering with those moves would not sit well with voters.

"We asked this question back in July in Wisconsin, and again here in this poll, and the choice between, you know, supporting a member of Congress who wants to continue negotiating lower drug prices is at 79% - versus support for the member who wants to end negotiating for lower drug prices, [which is] 8%," he said.

The balance of power in the U.S. Senate also is being closely watched this election. In the AARP Wisconsin poll, incumbent Democrat Tammy Baldwin holds a three-point lead over Republican challenger Eric Hovde among all likely voters.

This week, National Voter Registration Day was another timely reminder for Ohioans preparing for the 2024 general election.

The latest reports from the Center for Election Innovation and Research shed some light on expanded early voting options across the U.S., including in Ohio.

Chris Mann, research director at the center, highlighted some key details for Ohio voters.

"The weekend days that are required in Ohio, that accessibility of early in-person voting, is a really important piece of information for folks who work a traditional workweek," Mann pointed out. "If it's close or if there are close races within Ohio, that process will be playing out about counting mail ballots after Election Day."

According to the center's reports, nearly 97% of U.S. voting-age citizens will have at least one option to vote before Election Day, whether by mail or in person. During the 2020 general election, 69% of votes were cast before Election Day. That's up from 40% in 2016, demonstrating a growing reliance on early voting methods nationwide.

David Becker executive director of the center, said while Ohio's early voting system has been historically accessible, recent changes in ballot return procedures could present challenges for some voters.

"There have been efforts recently, coming from the Secretary of State's office, to make it more difficult for voters to return, for instance, their spouse's ballot or other family members' ballots," Becker noted. "And requiring them to actually come down to the election office and sign a form."

As Ohio prepares for the November election, voters are encouraged to take advantage of early voting options and stay informed about any new regulations. With 47 states offering early voting, Ohio's approach reflects national trends aimed at increasing participation while maintaining election integrity.


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New poll results show 80% of likely Arizona voters believe American democracy is under threat.

The new survey from the Center for the Future of Arizona found just as many believe their vote could improve democracy.

Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said with fewer than 50 days until Election Day, there are important issues on the ballot for Arizonans across the political spectrum and it isn't too late to take action.

"I want people finding candidates and causes they believe in, and get out and work on those campaigns," Stanton urged. "Become a volunteer, knock on doors, make calls, become a 'super voter,' if you will."

Stanton's challenger this year is Republican Kelly Cooper, who also ran against him in 2022. Voters in the Grand Canyon State will weigh in, not only on candidates at the national, state and local levels but will decide on more than a dozen statewide propositions. Check your voter registration status online at My.Arizona.Vote.

Stanton acknowledged there are bad actors out there who may want to drive down voter turnout but encouraged Arizonans to remain resilient. The last day to register to vote in order to participate in the Nov. 5 General Election is Oct. 7, a date he wants younger voters to pay close attention to.

"Maybe you're at Arizona State University, which is in my district, you come from another location, register to vote here," Stanton suggested. "We want you to participate in this election, and to have your voice heard for what's going on, not just in education issues but all of the variety of issues that affect your future."

Stanton contended across the country, younger voters need to participate at higher levels and calls it "good for democracy." A recent poll from Florida Atlantic University found 55% of people ages 18-34 said they're "dissatisfied" with their lives. Stanton hopes their dissatisfaction fuels greater turnout among young voters who want change.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Carnegie Corporation of New York.


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