Deepening polarization has shown us that universal, cross-partisan support for the most essential cornerstones of our constitutional democracy – safe and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power – can no longer be taken for granted.
The erosion of confidence in our lawful electoral processes poses an urgent threat to our democratic republic and to our national security. Pledging ourselves to the protection of these democratic processes is critically important.
The Principles for Trusted Elections provide a framework for citizens, candidates, officeholders and organizations to affirm our shared identity and our common commitment to the essential underpinnings of our democratic republic. These Principles represent a nonpartisan, common ground space from which we can begin to rebuild confidence in our country, our political system, and the people elected to represent us.
We urge everyone from all sides of the political spectrum to commit themselves to these core principles of our constitutional democracy. People who endorse the Principles for Trusted Elections uphold five core norms of democratic elections: integrity, nonviolence, security, oversight, and the peaceful transfer of power.
Voters and organizations should add their names to these principles as well, and then urge their candidates to lead by example in helping to restore trust in safe, fair, reliable elections.
I respect the checks and balances defined in the United States Constitution, and I support the electoral processes that protect the freedoms, liberties, and opportunities assured by our democratic institutions and norms. Elections must be conducted according to the rule of law - in a transparent, unbiased, and secure process.
I am guided by the following principles:
Cooperate with election officials, adhere to rules and regulations, and refrain from knowingly propagating falsehoods about the electoral process.
Encourage a peaceful election atmosphere during the pre-election, polling, counting, and post-election periods. Denounce any attempt to intimidate, harass, threaten or incite violence against opponents, their supporters, and election workers. Respect voters' freedom to exercise their lawful rights to register and vote, free from interference, obstruction, or intimidation.
Publicly affirm the security and integrity of elections across the U.S. and avoid actively fueling doubt about elections in other jurisdictions. Support transparency and public outreach to reassure voters of election integrity.
Encourage political parties and others to train poll-watchers on the election process and appropriate roles and behaviors, responsibilities, and obligations.
Make claims of election irregularities in accordance with the law and acknowledge the legitimacy of the outcomes after the results have been certified and all contestations decided.