The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live our lives, but it may actually result in less change at the ballot box this November. With stay-at-home orders issued in 42 states and restrictions on activity in the other eight, traditional political campaigning is proving nearly impossible for prospective candidates and advocacy groups.

In that sense, the pandemic will likely have an unintended effect on the democratic process: maintaining the status quo by keeping challengers and referendums off the ballot.