12 Markers of Autocracy: Are We Losing Our Democracy?

By Nancy Duck

In the Friday, October 31, 2025, New York Times, The Editorial Board wrote an opinion

piece titled “Are We Losing Our Democracy?”

The League’s mission is to Empower Voters. Defend Democracy. The LWVLC Board

encourages our members to read the article and consider the implications.

The Editorial Board, with support from scholars who study how democracies fall into

authoritarianism, compiled a list of 12 “markers of democratic erosion.” These factors

are apparent worldwide in the assent of authoritarianism. The United States has

experienced increases in all twelve areas during the current Presidential administration.

The 12 markers include actions by an authoritarian or a would be authoritarian:

1. Stifling of dissent and speech

2. Persecution of political opponents

3. Bypassing the Legislature

4. Use of military for domestic control

5. Defiance of the courts

6. Declaration of emergencies on false pretenses

7. Vilification of marginalized groups

8. Control of information and the news media

9. Takeover of universities

10. Creating a cult of personality

11. Use of power for personal profit

12. Manipulation of the law to stay in power

An article from the Chautauquan Daily, dated 7/28/2025, (posted on the LWVUS website under Library/Newsroom) features Celina Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of the League of Women Voters of the United States. She wants “Americans to be a flood of democracy against the fire of authoritarianism.”

Celina Stewart encourages us: “Speak the truth even when it is uncomfortable. Silence is the

oxygen of authoritarianism and truth is its antidote. Show up to meetings, to hearings, to the

polls, to the streets…Your presence is your protest, and your body is your ballot.”