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ToolCivic Business Initiative, Harvard Negotiation Project
Preparing for Civil Unrest Risk Around the 2026 Midterm Elections
What It Is: A board briefing deck from the non-partisan Civic Business Initiative making the case that business has an interest in tracking and preparing for election-related risks. It lays out four scenarios for the 2026 midterms, from a normal, noisy election to a drawn-out national dispute, and five practical steps companies can take before a crisis.
Why It Matters: Data shows that election-related civil unrest is not likely, but the risk is higher than in past elections. Only 49% of Americans expect a free and fair midterm, threats rose from 2% to 14% of election-office incident reports between 2020 and 2024, and confidence in the courts fell from 59% to 35%. Most election risks, like cyberattacks, are already planned for. Civil unrest usually isn’t, a gap that bears directly on Responsibility b), upholding strong constitutional democracy.
How to Use It: Though time is short, being prepared is still useful – as a crisis could occur after election day. Use the deck to brief your board and start with three moves: designate an owner for internal planning and external coordination; amplify official election information and encourage nonpartisan voting and poll-worker service; and connect with peer companies and a trusted convener, such as a local chamber, now rather than during an event.