It seems pretty clear that, regardless of actual votes cast, Donald Trump will declare victory in next week’s election. He’ll declare victory, on the basis of alleged cheating, even if he’s losing on election night. He’ll declare victory if he appears to be winning on election night, regardless of how many millions of votes remain to be counted.

These predictions aren’t just random speculation. They are simply predictions that Mr. Trump, who doesn’t concede that any of his past behaviors were wrong, will do again what he has done in the past.

When his legal challenges in 2020-2021 had collapsed for lack of facts, Mr. Trump encouraged the violence of January 6, 2021. He only called for peace when it was clear the violence was failing to achieve his goals.

If you support elections only when you win, you’re not a patriot. If you support our law enforcement and justice systems only when you like the results, you’re not a patriot. If you support our country only when you get your way, you’re not a patriot. You’re just an opportunist.

Long after today’s issues are forgotten, we and our descendants will still benefit from the democratic system, which empowers each new generation to address their problems peacefully.

In this election, I’m voting for patriots — true patriots, who think country and democracy are more important than self or party — at every opportunity, and for every office.

DAVE CUNDIFF

Ilwaco