WARREN, Michigan – Four years back, many of then-President Donald Trump’s supporters were convinced he had won the election, leading some to sue or storm the U.S. Capitol to halt the certification process.

Despite various court rulings and audits confirming that Trump lost to President Joe Biden in 2020, he is gearing up his followers to question the outcomes of what may be a closely contested race this year. As the Republican presidential candidate for 2024, Trump has urged his supporters to show up in large numbers to make the election “too big to rig.”

During a recent campaign stop in western Michigan, he remarked, “They cheat, that’s the only way we’re going to lose.” In another event in Warren, a pre-recorded message from Trump cautioned, “Keep your eyes wide open, because these individuals want to cheat, and the truth is, it’s the only thing they excel at.”

While Trump has not yet stated he would accept the presidential election results, numerous followers at his rallies in Michigan mentioned they are prepared to accept a loss should it happen.

Trump ‘Screwed Himself’ Four Years Ago

Jordan Walton, 24, from Warren, who works in a restaurant, felt too young to vote in 2016. When he finally got his chance in 2020, he supported Trump’s reelection but recognized the legitimacy of his loss that year.

“It’s disappointing. But yeah, he lost,” Walton said before attending a town hall meeting in Warren.

He anticipates a close election this time and is willing to accept another loss for Trump. “I won’t be thrilled, but you know, it is what it is,” he said.

Walton plans to vote in person but believes Trump’s criticism of mail-in voting negatively impacted the Republican’s chances in 2020. “Honestly, I think he kind of messed up by not encouraging his voters to use vote-by-mail,” Walton stated.

Trump has altered his stance on this, now urging his supporters to vote early or absentee.

First-time Voter ‘Not a Fan’ of Jan. 6 Riots, Eager to Cast His Ballot

Thomas Van Overloop, a 19-year-old studying at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, wants his first vote in a presidential election to be in-person, viewing it as a significant experience.

Despite Trump’s ongoing claims of electoral fraud in Michigan during the 2020 election, Van Overloop stated he has no intention of disputing election results if Harris wins Michigan this time.

“I wasn’t particularly fond of January 6 or the claims of a stolen election,” he noted. “I think it’s crucial to focus on the future, rather than dwelling on the past.”

Van Overloop, one of many young voters that both campaigns are targeting, mentioned that many of his friends are eager about voting this fall.

“Most of my peers are really excited to vote for the first time and want to engage in politics and the election process,” he said.

Voter Prefers Not to Witness ‘Crazy Stuff’ Like January 6

David Ortez, 28, from Northville, stood by a table encouraging Trump supporters to request absentee ballots. He plans to vote in-person on Election Day, as he enjoys the ambiance. He believes that voting with others feels more like an “event” compared to absentee voting.

Ortez is also open to accepting another loss for Trump and does not believe the 2020 election was rigged. He mentioned that he engages in conversations with other Trump supporters who hold differing opinions, but he prefers to avoid arguments.

Regardless of who prevails in what he anticipates will be a closely contested presidential election, Ortez is prepared to accept the outcome.

In discussions about the upcoming election, Ortez expressed his hope that voters would respect the results and avoid any repeat of the January 6 events. “No crazy activities. We really don’t need that. There’s enough chaos in the world, and we certainly don’t need more violence,” said Ortez, who is employed at a hospital.

Trump supporter says she won’t ‘lose her mind’ over a potential loss

While many Trump supporters insist that his 2020 defeat was not legitimate, Lauren Marougy, 38, from Commerce Township, Michigan, remains uncertain. “I really don’t know. I think he won,” she said after a thoughtful pause. She acknowledged that it would be disappointing if Trump had indeed won but did not assume the presidency. “I wouldn’t want to believe that,” she added.

Marougy said she would come to terms with a Trump loss in November. “I accepted it last time,” she remarked. “There’s nothing I can do, so I’m not going to go crazy over it.” She added that she wouldn’t protest if Trump lost, explaining, “It wouldn’t get me anywhere.”

‘I love my country,’ says Republican election worker

Josie Kornev explained that as an election worker in Kent County, Michigan, she must vote before Election Day. Having run for the Kent County Board of Commissioners this year and not succeeded in the Republican primary, she said she would likely take advantage of early voting.

While working as a poll worker in Grand Rapids during the 2020 election, Kornev referenced the protests that occurred over absentee ballot counting in Detroit that year, particularly by Trump-aligned election challengers. Although many claims regarding potential illegitimacy at the TCF Center circulated post-2020 election, they were ultimately disproven. Kornev stated that if Trump were to lose again, she wouldn’t challenge the election results this year.

“I’m not going to riot or anything like that,” she stated firmly. “I love my country. I believe in voting and the freedom to vote. I would think that people might really regret voting for Kamala Harris and the policies she advocates for.”

Trump supporter prefers absentee voting

Shawn Clapper, a 54-year-old contractor from Lincoln Park, Michigan, indicated that he utilized absentee voting in 2020 and plans to do so again. “It’s easier,” he noted.

Clapper is sure that Trump did not actually lose the 2020 election, insisting, “I think it was stolen. Absolutely. No doubt.”

He mentioned the 2020 election as the reason he might not view a potential Trump loss this time as justified, expressing a general distrust of election processes. However, he does not intend to protest the results if Trump loses, saying, “I’ll let others handle that.”

Belief in fair elections depends on poll worker reports

Ron Piskor, a 75-year-old retired engineer from Warren, plans to vote in person on Election Day. “I just trust it more than any other options they have right now,” he reflected.

He didn’t share whether he would accept a Trump loss as valid; he is currently in a wait-and-see mindset. Piskor indicated that his viewpoint would depend on the statements from Trump and other officials regarding the election process.

He indicated that he harbors suspicions about the integrity of the 2020 election. However, he believes that he would be convinced of the upcoming election’s fairness if there are no poll workers reporting any unusual activities.

Piskor did not participate in demonstrations against Trump’s 2020 defeat and has no plans to do so again if his candidate loses this time. “It’s pointless,” he concluded.

Manufacturer skeptical of absentee voting, but ready for results

Matt Swift, who is employed by a manufacturer in the Grand Rapids area that builds steel structures, shared that he intends to cast his vote in person on November 5.

“I have concerns about absentee voting; I’m not sure why,” Swift expressed. “It might just be a mental block. I’d prefer to be present, so I know my vote counts.”

Even with his reservations, Swift mentioned he would accept the election results if Trump were to lose. His support for Trump stems mainly from the benefits he experienced at work during Trump’s presidency—his company had more bidding opportunities and better profit margins.

Swift feels optimistic about Trump’s chances, saying,

“I genuinely believe that. I understand it will be tight. However, based on my observations, our discussions, and the feedback I’m receiving, I have a favorable outlook.”

In the 2020 election, President Biden won Michigan by over 154,000 votes, a margin close to three percentage points. In contrast, Trump won the state by approximately 10,700 votes against Hillary Clinton in 2016—making it the narrowest victory of that election cycle.