Autocracy is boring and comfortable enough

most people express democratic values, but living in a complicated world in which people care more about more things than just their form of government - feeding their families, educating their children, professional success - it is easy to see that given an orderly society and a functioning economy, democratic politics may become a low priority. The answer to the question "will the people tolerate authoritarian rule?" is yes, absolutely.
...
You know that you are no longer living in a democracy because the elections in which you are participating no longer can yield political change.

https://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2017/1/9/14207302/authoritarian-states-boring-tolerable-fascism-trump

We are half-way there - participating in some elections makes no sense already. Even in California. Gerrymandering + electoral college = screw the voice of majority.

Add fast-track judge appointments, add problems with voter registration and vote counting - and it is possible that the next election may be the last free one (at least for the times being). Sounds crazy? I hope I am wrong.